Strikers spark Italian joy

Serena Coppolino struck a superb hat-trick and strike partner Agnese Ricco scored the other two goals as Italy defeated Russia 5-1 to establish early control of UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship Group B.

Sensational victory
Ricco was also on target 12 months ago as Italy opened the 2003 tournament with a sensational victory, the hosts and holders Germany on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline. The 18-year-old scored both her goals after the break this time, her efforts adding to goals from Coppolino in the eighth, 25th and 44th minutes. Russia's consolation was scored by Elena Danilova in added time at the end of the first half.

Dipping drive
Hardened by their experience in Leipzig last year, when they were denied a place in the semi-finals on penalties by Sweden, Italy wasted little time in taking the game to opponents, playing their first final-round match since 1998 when the competition was an Under-18 event. Coppolino took just eight minutes to highlight her class, beating Russia goalkeeper Elvira Todua with a sensational dipping drive from 25 metres.

Confident finish
If that was a goal from nothing, Italy's second owed itself to fluid build-up play - a break down the left ending with a drilled low cross finding Coppolino near the penalty spot from where she made it 2-0 with a confident finish. Already any positive result appeared beyond Russia, who were being outplayed and outmuscled by the Italians despite enjoying occasional spells of possession.

Cutting edge
In contrast, Coppolino and Ricco provided Italy with a cutting edge which could see them go a long way in this eight-team tournament. The former completed her hat-trick as half-time approached, showing an instinct for goals by drilling the ball into the corner of the net as her team-mates stood arms aloft appealing for a penalty. There was still time for another goal, Danilova getting the final decisive touch in a challenge with Valeria Magrini.

Margin increased
Any slender hopes of a Russian fightback were dashed seven minutes into the second half when Ricco stole in to dispatch a free-kick at the far post which had eluded everyone else in a crowded area. The pace of the game then dropped with an Italian victory inevitable, although the margin of victory was extended when Ricco was on hand to tap the ball in after Todua failed to gather an Italian shot.

Thriller in prospect
Italy's game against Norway on Friday now promises to be a thriller, with the Scandinavians having beaten the holders France 2-0 in today's other Group B fixture. The prospect of meeting a smarting French side is likely to deepen the gloom in the Russian camp, however.

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