Russia and Latvia pip Italy

Italy wait
Going into the final day of qualifying round Group 3 in Moldova, Russia had won the group with two victories but Italy were a point ahead of Latvia and Moldova having drawn 2-2 with each. Italy knew a win against Russia would book their progress but never recovered from conceding a second-minute Maksim Grigoriev penalty, and Armands Petersons' goal against Moldova gave Latvia victory. Italy must now hope to go through as one of the two third-placed teams in the 13 groups with the best record against the top pair in their pool.

Latvia denied
With only Domenico Marchetti remaining from the squad that reached the final in the Czech Republic last summer, Italy found themselves 1-0 down against Latvia on Matchday 1 within eight minutes through Alens Snelnikovs. Marco Augusto Romizi equalised on the stroke of half-time and although Kaspars Dubra restored the Latvia lead early in the second half, Davide Petrucci ensured a draw with nine minutes left despite Ciro Immobile's subsequent red card. A ninth-minute Dumitru Candariuc own goal and substitute Viacheslav Dmitriev's last-gasp strike ensured Russia beat Moldova 2-0.

Russia success
Matchday 2 was little different. Twice Italy had to come from behind to hold Moldova 2-2, strikes in each half from Dmitrii Vornisel and Anatoli Cheptine cancelled out each time by Ettore Mendicino, his second deep into added time. That ensured Russia's 2-0 win against Latvia, thanks to Sergey Perunov and Dmitriev, took them through in first place. Latvia, though, were to join them and move a step closer to the finals in Ukraine.