Italy hold Group 5 initiative
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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Italy 3-1 Scotland
Simone Sini scored twice, his second a free-kick ten minutes from time, to move Italy to within a point of qualifying and eliminate Scotland.
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Italy are a point away from the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals after their second win of Elite round Group 5 in Austria.
Sini strikes
The Azzurrini defeated the hosts 2-1 on Friday while Scotland lost 1-0 to Georgia, meaning Ross Mathie's side needed a good result today. Gordon Dick and Scott Robinson went close early on but on five minutes Leonardo Bianchi's free-kick was only parried by Connor Fairley and Simone Sini scored from the rebound. Scotland equalised not long after the break when Ryan Jack and Robinson combined to cross for Max Wright to head in, but Giacomo Beretta soon restored the Italy lead with ten minutes left Sini curled in a free-kick from the edge of the box. Italy will reach the finals with a draw against Georgia on Wednesday.
Scotland reaction
Mathie, whose side qualified in 2008, said: "The backroom staff have worked hard with the team and the performance against a very good Italian side was pleasing. Although we are unable now to qualify for the finals we still have a match against the host nation Austria to prepare for on Wednesday."