Tunisia Upsets Italy to Reach Mediterranean Games Final

Tunisia's national team has secured its place in the men's football final at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, after coming from behind to defeat Italy 3-1 in the semifinals today, Friday.

Claudio Ranieri, the head coach of the Italian Football Federation, praised the performance of the Italian national team, noting that they competed in the tournament with a squad three years younger than their rivals, with an average age of 16.9 years compared to Tunisia's 19.9 years.

Claudio Ranieri stated: "We have once again shown that we are capable of facing any team, presenting an attacking style and the character of a team that is already mature."

Coach Daniele Franceschini stated that he has nothing to blame his players for, explaining that the heat, fatigue, and age difference affected the team in the second half.

With this result, Italy will play a third place playoff on Sunday, August 30, against the loser of the Algeria vs Morocco match.

In contrast, Tunisia will face the winner of the Algeria and Morocco clash in the final on Sunday evening.