Lively Spain leave on a high

Spain bowed out of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship on a high with an impressive display against a much-changed Italy side in Vineuil.

New faces
Already assured of a semi-final place before kick-off, Italy coach Corrado Corradini made seven changes from the side that impressively overcame France last time out, and Spain took full advantage. A first-half Rocío Ruiz strike was added to after break by Silvia Meseguer and Sara González to give the Azzurrine plenty to ponder ahead of their semi-final against Group B runners-up Sweden on Wednesday.

González spark
Spain were dominant throughout the first half as Ignacio Quereda's side took a grip of the midfield to create a string of chances inside the opening half-hour. González, making her first start of the final tournament, tested Italy goalkeeper Eleonora Buiatti with a curling effort from 20 metres, while Buiatti was called into service moments later to deny the same player.

Just reward
Spain kept the pressure on the Italian goal and Itsaso Nabaskues came close with a shot which went just wide. The pressure finally told on 25 minutes, though, when Ruiz rose highest to head in González's corner. Italy reacted and created their first chance soon after but after a clever foray down the left, Tatiana Bonetti's centre failed to pick out Sabrina Marchese. 

Attacking spirit
Quereda introduced Irene del Río at the break and she soon provided fresh impetus with a couple of purposeful runs down the wing. And Spain's second goal arrived 15 minutes in the second half. The Italy defence only cleared as far as Meseguer, who doubled the lead with a left-footed shot into the top corner from 20 metres.

Perfect send off
Spain did not let up and their desire to end the tournament on a high and María Casado came close to adding a third with a deft chip which grazed the top of the crossbar on 76 minutes. Yet Spain were not to be denied and when González was played in by Meseguer three minutes from time, she made no mistake to wrong-foot Buiatti and send her side home in good spirits.