Italian joy, French heartbreak

By Kevin Ashby at the Hyvinkää Sportspark

France scored twice in added time to defeat Italy, only for the holders' joy to turn to tears as they learned that the Azzurrine and Russia had finished first and second in Group B to reach the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-finals after all four teams finished level on four points.

Italy win group
Italy were coasting to victory after Penelope Riboldi scored on the counterattack in the each half before their status as group leaders appeared to be shattered as two added-time goals from Emilie L'Huillier added to Elise Bussaglia's fine strike in the 84th minute. However, Russia's 3-0 victory against Norway saw them edge out the French on goals scored with Italy advancing to a last-four meeting with Spain as winners of the pool.

Two changes each
Riboldi was one of two Italian changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Norway on Friday, starting in place of Marta Carissimi, while Evelyn Vicchiarello replaced the suspended striker Agnese Ricco. France's scorer in the 1-1 draw against Russia, Gwënaëlle Pele, returned to the starting XI and Julie Perruzzetto was handed a first start. Sabrina Delannoy and Elodie Thomis made way.

Victory imperative
As victory was imperative for France, they forced the pace from the off, with tall central defender L'Huillier deployed in attack. The midfield were encouraged to support in numbers and Louisa Necib rattled the Italian bar with a drive from distance in the ninth minute. A corner from the same player in the 19th picked out L'Huillier who swivelled well but shot just wide. 

Tap in
After Thiney had shot wide from a promising position, Italy raced to the other end where Vicchiarello was frustrated by Sarah Bouhaddi's brave goalkeeping on the edge of the area. The Italians were not to be denied in the 35th minute, though, as Vicchiarello dispossessed Laure Lepailleur and squared for Riboldi to tap in the opener.

Wonderful save
Bruno Bini brought on the speedy Thomis at half-time for Lilas Traïkia, with Bussaglia assuming the captaincy, yet it was Italy who threatened first as Vicchiarello lobbed over following their first attack. Bussaglia then fizzed a free-kick off the middle of the bar and substitute Nathalie Jarosz forced Chiara Marchitelli into a wonderful fingertip save with her first touch.

Curled goal
Laure Boulleau became the third player in blue to hit the woodwork and Italy made it 2-0 soon after as Riboldi played a fine one-two with Serena Coppolino in the 70th minute before composing herself and slotting the ball under Bouhaddi. To their enormous credit, France continued to battle and halved the deficit when Bussaglia curled in a shot from the edge of the area.

Amazing winner
Italy's Cristina Miani had gone off injured and the fourth official had signalled four minutes of added time when L'Huillier headed her side level. The holders were now rampant as Italy battled cramp and a tide of French attacks, the last of which brought an amazing far-post winner for L'Huillier.

Italian relief
French celebrations were curtailed, though, as the permutations worked against them; their levels of distress only matched by those of Italian relief.

Most Valuable Player: Emilie L'Huillier (France)
Attendance: 350