Itakura’s Japan win in World Cup qualifying

Ko Itakura and Japan, as well as Fabio Chiarodia with the Italian U19 squad, tasted success with their national teams.

Japan

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The Japanese national team won their third game of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Gladbach centre-half Ko Itakura played the full 90 minutes of Japan’s 1-0 win over North Korea (photo: imago images/ANP). The Samurai Blue took the lead through Ao Tanaka in the second minute and defended that lead until the end. The countries will meet again in Pyongyang on Monday (9:00 MEZ).

Italy U19

In their opening game of European Championship qualification, Italy’s U19s, featuring Gladbach defender Fabio Chiarodia, defeated Scotland 3-1, with Chiarodia on the pitch for the whole game.