An 88th-minute goal from Patrizia Panico left Italy in command of their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ play-off following the first leg in the Czech Republic.

Wednesday return
Italy beat these opponents to qualify four years ago and after a tight game in which both teams had chances, Panico struck. The Czech Republic now have a tough task to turn the tie in Wednesday's return in Gubbio.

Panico winner
The visitors opted against starting with Melania Gabbiadini following her recent thigh injury and the first half was a cautious affair before Pavlína Ščasná broke through late in the period but shot over. Italy increased the pressure after the break and Panico hit the crossbar with a 56th-minute header. The home side also had their chances but as time ran out Panico found the target.