Under the lights in Pescara, Cher Ndour produced the kind of goal that stops an international match in its tracks. The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder struck from around 70 metres as Italy Under-21s swept Poland aside 6-2 in European Championship qualifying on Monday night.
Ndour, captaining the Italian side, seized on a Polish corner in the 54th minute. After taking the ball away from Mateusz Kowalczyk, he needed only one touch before sending a right-footed effort over the retreating Marcel Lubik, who had moved far from his goal. The Polish goalkeeper could not get back in time as the long-range strike found the net.
Italy’s players, including those on the bench, quickly gathered around Ndour to celebrate a remarkable finish that is likely to rank among the finest of his career.
Koleosho helps set the tone for Italy
Luca Koleosho, the Paris FC winger, had put Italy ahead in the 16th minute. Ndour then made it 2-0 ten minutes later, following a move started by Koleosho.
The Paris FC player remained influential after his opening goal, also providing the assist for Luca Lipani’s fourth goal as Italy completed a convincing six-goal display against Poland.
Ndour’s route from Paris to Florence
The 21-year-old midfielder came through Benfica’s system before joining PSG in 2023. His time in Paris brought only four first-team appearances across two seasons, with loan spells at Braga and Besiktas limiting his opportunities in the French capital.
Ndour moved permanently to Fiorentina during the winter of 2025 for a fee of more than €10 million. He has since scored eight times in 63 appearances for the Viola, and his extraordinary international effort offered another reminder of his growing influence.
