Kisly does it for Belarus

By Paolo Menicucci at Stadio Osvaldo Martini

A fine second-half strike by Siarhei Kisly gave Belarus a surprise 1-0 win against hosts Italy at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, meaning all four Group B sides now have three points.

Khomliak form
Kisly scored the only goal of the game on 56 minutes, drilling a superb shot into the top right-hand corner of the Italian net from 20 metres to give the tournament outsiders a deserved lead. Italy responded well, but found Belarus goalkeeper Ihar Khomliak in superb form as they were surprisingly defeated.

Disappointing defeat
Following their 4-0 defeat by England in their opening match of the tournament, Belarus knew that defence was the order of the day and set their stall out early, defending in numbers. Nevertheless, it was Piotr Mikheyeu’s side that created the first opportunity of the game on eleven minutes when Kisly’s powerful long-range strike forced Italy goalkeeper Enrico Alfonso into a full-length save.

Uncut diamond
The hosts offered little in return as the midfield diamond that served them so well in the 1-0 win against Turkey on Tuesday failed to have the same impact. Indeed, it was the Belarussians who were showing the most attacking intent and Ryhor Filipenka almost broke the deadlock on 34 minutes but headed wide when well placed.

Di Gennaro miss
Italy coach Francesco Rocca had handed Davide Di Gennaro a start following his performance as a second-half substitute against Turkey, but he showed less poise tonight, missing the target from close range after good work from Ivan Castiglia.

Italian renaissance
Rocca brought on Marco Dalla Costa and Marco Mancosu at the interval but the changes made little impact and Kisly soon broke the deadlock. Another substitute, Manuel Angelucci, almost equalised immediately but was brilliantly denied by Khomliak who was equally alert minutes later to tip Italy captain Lorenzo De Silvestri’s shot around the post.

Tight section
Dalla Costa shot wide with ten minutes remaining and it proved the last chance of the game as Belarus now sit alongside Italy in the Group B standings. They next face Turkey in the last match, while the Azzurrini take on England.