Italy U19 have emerged victors in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Portugal U19 in the UEFA European U19 Championship final, thanks to Fiorentina academy product Michael Kayode who proved priceless at the Ta’Qali National Stadium in Malta.

The 19-year-old right winger was deployed in an attacking role by Alberto Bollini, and it ultimately paid off, as he scored the winner early in the first half.

Kayode scored the winner with a header at minute 19, making the most of a Luis Hasa cross from the left.

The Juventus midfielder had a chance to double the score shortly afterwards but was denied by Portugal keeper António Ribeiro.

The Azzurrini dominated the opening 45 minutes and were solid defensively in the second half when Francesco Pio Esposito and Emanuel Vignato had two more opportunities to double Italy’s lead.

Portugal had beaten Alberto Bollini’s side 5-1 during the group phase, which had seen Italy finish runners-up with four points in three games.

Italy beat Spain 3-2 in the semis on Thursday and conquered the trophy on Sunday.

This is Italy’s second European title at a U19 level. They won the trophy for the first time in 2003, in another Final against Portugal.

That time, the Azzurrini won 2-0 with goals from Luigi Della Rocca and Giampaolo Pazzini.