Inspired Italy see off Switzerland

Italy are a draw away from reaching the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament for the first time since 2004 after second-half strikes from Alberto Paloschi and Stefano Okaka Chuka earned a second successive Group 6 win against mini-tournament hosts Switzerland.

Paloschi strikes again
Francesco Rocca's side had opened their Elite round campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Sweden, yet they initially found the Swiss a tougher proposition at the Tourbillon Stadium in Sion. However, once AC Milan striker Paloschi – who also opened the scoring against Sweden – had struck in the 53rd minute, Italy seized control and made certain of the win with 12 minutes to go through AS Roma forward Okaka Chuka. The result leaves Italy needing just a draw from their final fixture on Saturday, against a France side who also have six points, to qualify for the finals in July, although a win for Les Petits Bleus will take them through at their opponents' expense.