Nigeria, Oct. 28 -- When the curtain rises on the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, few fixtures promise as much intrigue and intensity as the showdown between Italy and Nigeria.

It is a meeting of contrasts - Europe's precision against Africa's passion - and a test of two young teams driven by the same ambition: survival and statement.

Italy arrived in Rabat on the back of a flawless group-stage campaign that saw them finish top of Group A after sweeping aside Costa Rica (3-0), hosts Morocco (3-1), and Brazil (4-3).

Efficient, elegant, and well-drilled, the Azzurrine have impressed with their tactical balance, patience in possession, and deadly finishing.

On the other hand, Nigeria had to fight back into contention...