An irresistible Italy are going to Euro 2023 following 90 difficult, gruelling but emotional minutes. The Azzurrini were focused, authoritative and full of desire as they beat the Republic of Ireland 4-1.

It was a richly deserved victory for Nicolato’s team, which came together in a time of difficulty but has gone from strength to strength and are now through to the Euros, finishing top of their qualifying group five points ahead of second-place Ireland.

It was an afternoon of great celebrations. The Azzurrini called upon Ascoli for support and the city answered, with 4,500 spectators at the Stadio Del Duca to watch the team cruise to victory.

THE GAME.  Nicolato went with his usual 3-5-2 system and the only personnel change from the Sweden game was Viti, who came in for the injured Lovato. With a two-point lead over Ireland, a draw would have been enough for Italy to secure top spot. But, ahead of the game, Nicolato was adamant that his team should “go out and get a deserved result.”

Italy started strongly, battling against the heat and their opponents with determination. Conscious of being in possession of their own destiny, Nicolato’s boys came close after not even a minute played, with Pellegri forcing Maher into a save with his feet. In the third minute, Cambiaghi led the counter but struck it poorly and his shot went wide.

The Azzurrini kept up the pressure and Ireland struggled to get out of their own half. In the 19th minute, McGuinness brought down Okoli and Hungarian referee Bogar pointed straight to the spot. Rovella – just like it was against Sweden – converted from the penalty spot. The Azzurrini doubled their lead in the 35th minute through Cambiaghi, who beat Maher with a precisely-placed shot to score his first goal at this level.

Pellegri scored Italy’s first just 38 seconds after the break, fed by Cambiaghi. It was Pellegri’s second goal for the Under-21s. The heat and the high-octane football started to take their toll as the Azzurrini started to look a little leggy and, in the 60th minute, they gave Ireland the chance to claw their way back into it as Viti brought Smallbone down in the box. Coventry stepped up to the spot and sent Plizzari the wrong way, 3-1. But the Azzurrini restored their three-goal lead with five minutes to go, Quagliata turning home from Ricci’s cross.

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina spoke to the team in the dressing room: “We’ve achieved our goal,” he said “which is worth double this time around because we have played with quality, hunger and incredible spirit. As we look to bring the youth into the fold with the first team, the Under-21s have shown great readiness, thanks to the emergence of some great young talents. Congrats to the boys, coach Nicolato and all the staff.”

Happiness was etched all over Nicolato’s face: “We’re really pleased with this result. We’ve all done some amazing work. Thanks to the 49 players that have been selected over the past ten months, 41 of whom have played, and thanks also to the staff. I’ve always had faith, no matter who I picked to play. The team has followed me; they were close and showed great values. We got a bit unlucky at times but we overcame even that. In the 20 qualifying games in my tenure, we have lost just once. We can be satisfied.”