Morocco’s Lion Cubs finished the Mediterranean Games football tournament on a high, defeating host nation Italy 4-1 on Sunday at Stadio Iacovone to claim the bronze medal.
Ludovic Batelli’s side produced a dominant performance, scoring once before halftime before adding three more goals after the break to complete an emphatic podium finish.
A Fast Start in Italy
Morocco wasted little time making its mark.
Mohammed Mounssef opened the scoring in the ninth minute, giving the Lion Cubs an early advantage and setting the tone for an impressive afternoon.
Italy battled to remain in the contest, but Morocco maintained its intensity and carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Three Goals After the Break
The second half belonged entirely to Morocco.
Just two minutes after the restart, Abdelali Eddaoudi doubled the advantage in the 47th minute.
Three minutes later, Karim Essaadi found the net again to make it 3-0, putting the Lion Cubs firmly in control.
Anass Benomar then completed Morocco’s four-goal performance in the 75th minute, sealing a memorable victory over the tournament hosts.
Another Medal for Moroccan Football
The bronze medal adds another chapter to Morocco’s proud history at the Mediterranean Games.
It represents the fourth bronze medal won by a Moroccan football team at the competition, following previous podium finishes at Athens 1991, Tarragona 2018, and Oran 2022.
The latest achievement once again highlights the strength and consistency of Morocco’s football development across generations.
A Podium Finish to Remember
For Batelli’s Lion Cubs, ending the tournament with four goals against the hosts was a fitting way to complete their campaign.
The performance combined attacking quality, determination, and collective spirit, qualities that continue to define Morocco’s rising football generation.
A bronze medal, four goals, and another proud chapter for the Lion Cubs of the Atlas. Morocco leaves the Mediterranean Games with its flag flying high.