Italy close in on U21 finals
Monday, June 9, 2003
Article summary
Italy can take a giant step towards the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals on Tuesday night.
Article body
Decisive step
The Azzurrini travel to Finland with a five-point lead over second-placed Serbia and Montenegro in Group 9. However, Italy's clear advantage in their section is very much against the run of play in what is a fiercely contested qualifying campaign. Group 6 is particularly close as leaders Spain visit Northern Ireland tonight with ten points while second-placed Greece - also on ten points - play host to Ukraine.
Seismic activity
In Group 4, Sweden welcome pacesetters Poland knowing that a win will take them level with the Poles at the top of the table. Hungary can make it a three-way tie for the lead if they prevail in San Marino.
Dual challenge
Group 2 is just as tight with Denmark - heading the pack on 12 points - trying to fend off a dual challenge from Norway and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Danes travel to Luxembourg, but will need to be on their guard as with Norway playing at home against Romania, any slip-up could be costly.