Limitation of warranty for a iPhone bought out of Honk Kong?

My iPhone XR 64gb stopped working on the back camera and at Apple Support they substituted it, but still not working. They said it's a mother board issue, hence must have a replacement.

But as I live in Europe (Italy) and the device is from Honk Kong, I cannot get a replacement even if still under 12-months warranty (will expiry beginning July 2020).

Apple Online support explained it as a limitation of warranty.

I should travel to China and then they will replace my device.

This is totally nonsense. Did anybody hear similar issues?

Any idea to help me out?

Thanks