The start of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is drawing ever closer, with Italy set to go into the tournament as one of the title favourites.

They will head to expanded 48-team competition on the back of reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA European U-17 Championship earlier this year. The Azzurrini, who have never progressed beyond the last eight at the U-17 World Cup, will be now be out to showcase their class on the global stage.

They have been drawn in a fascinating group with battle it out with the host nation Qatar, Bolivia and South Africa. Speaking to FIFA.com coach Massimiliano Favo acknowledged the threat posed by Qatar, noting that the home team’s togetherness and familiarity with local conditions could give them a crucial advantage.

Excerpts from the interview:

FIFA: The first-ever 48-team U-17 World Cup kicks off on November 3. How are preparations going?

Massimiliano Favo: When it comes to national sides, I don’t think preparation is the right word. It’s more about picking up from where we left off since we don’t get to train together every day. We don’t play together every week, so opportunities to correct mistakes or build on the things we do well are few and far between.

This time the tournament is much longer with 104 matches. What is the key to going all the way?

First and foremost, we’ll need to quickly adapt to the climate and the humidity, and rotate our squad wisely to keep players fresh. The aim is to play for the shirt and do ourselves proud. As always, we want to compete against nations as steeped in footballing history as ours, and go as far as we can in the tournament without putting any limits on ourselves. We narrowly missed out on the final of the European U-17 Championship in Albania after losing out on penalties [to Portugal]. We know we’ve got a strong squad and we’re confident we can compete with every team.

You’ve been pitted against the hosts Qatar, Bolivia and South Africa. What do you expect from the group?

If a team has made it this far to compete at a World Cup alongside us, you can bet your bottom dollar they’re organised and up to the task. Qatar, for example, have the edge of being able to train together every day, playing on home soil, and being fully acclimatised to the conditions. We will play them in our tournament opener, which will be a tough first test for us. We also know what to expect from Bolivia and South Africa. We’re going to show every team respect, but we’re not scared of anyone. I’m expecting teams to be physically strong, technically sound, and extremely well drilled, as football has become a global game.

Is the U-17 category an important phase in a footballer’s development?

It’s definitely an important age, as it essentially marks the transition from youth football to senior football. Luckily, some of the lads from this age group are already plying their trade at senior level, which is something for us to be incredibly proud of, and playing international football can only be good for their development.

How can playing on the world stage help players come on?

The benefits are endless, as it helps develop their skills and awareness when coming up against players from some of the best footballing nations around the world.

What style of football are you going to play in this tournament?

As always, we’ll look to play attacking, well-organised football, giving our players the freedom to express themselves on the pitch and put on a show for the fans. The results will take care of themselves.

What does pulling on the shirt and representing the values of the Italian national team mean for such young players?

Every player dreams of wearing the blue shirt and representing Italy at a World Cup. It’s important for them to be aware of this responsibility, respect it, and show commitment, determination, and quality out there on the pitch.