Scasna strike gives Czechs hope

By Paolo Corradini

A second-half Pavlina Scasna goal has given the Czech Republic hope of causing an upset in the second leg of their UEFA European Women's Championship play-off against Italy.

Two legs
Despite going down 2-1, the Czechs would advance with a 1-0 win on home soil when the Italians visit the FC Zenit Cáslav stadium on Saturday 27 November. Finland have already caused one shock by eliminating Russia, although normal service was resumed as Norway completed a comfortable two-legged success against Iceland today.

Long-range effort
Carolina Morace's Italy side dominated from the off in Crotone, and there was little surprise when they opened the scoring on seven minutes through Tatiana Zorri as the midfield player drilled in a free-kick. Alessia Tuttino put the Azzurrini firmly in control with a long-distance effort on 30 minutes only for Scasna to register a crucial away goal in the 50th minute in front of a crowd in excess of 1,000.