Italy's Under-21s beat Luxembourg 3-0, overtaking Sweden in the process and achieving the first of three targets that open the pathway to the European Championship finals. In Differdange, the Azzurrini followed Nicolato's orders to a tee, as they waited patiently and showed the requisite technical quality in a game the young Italians largely dominated. They took the lead in the 20^th minute through Vignato, then doubled after 33 minutes with Pellegri. In the second half, the game was all but wrapped up in the 54^th minute, as Gaetano made it three. Although far from easy for an unfamiliar team playing a new formation, the team spirit prevailed through the difficulties.

Italy are now the sole leader in group F, sitting on 20 points with just two matches remaining. Sweden, who have just the one game left to play, this coming Thursday against the Azzurrini, are trailing by three points. The Republic of Ireland, who today beat Montenegro, are showing no signs of giving up, still with one game left; the match in Ascoli on Tuesday 14 June.

THE MATCH – Coach Nicolato started with a heavily changed squad and formation, following the injury problems and promotions for certain players to the men’s team. Carnesecchi was back between the sticks, a back four of Cambiaso, Lovato, Pirola, Quagliata, in front of them, Miretti (debut) and Rovella, then Cambiaghi, Gaetano, Vignato and Pellegri up-front.

Italy started the game on the front foot, moving the ball quickly and asserting their technical dominance in the game, as they tried to find an early opening in the hope of opening up the game.

The Azzurrini took the lead through Emanuel Vignato’s right-footed effort in the 20^th minute; just his second goal for the side after his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A minute later, Pellegri missed the chance to double the lead but was reprieved in the 33^rd minute as he finished fantastically to score his first in Azzurri colours.

Barely 10 minutes into the second half, Italy made it 3-0, as Gianluca Gaetano’s right-footed shot proved unsavable for the Luxembourg keeper. Immediately after this, Nicolato gave debuts to Zanoli, Oristanio and Bove.

Nicolato seemed pretty happy with his team’s performance at the final whistle: “We played well and might even have scored more on another day. I would say that this has resulted from the group and of course staff’s tireless work. It wasn’t easy managing the numerous absences, but the team developed to the new formations well, so credit to them. This is a great group, that never lacks spirit”.