Three from three. Italy U17 leave Northern Ireland with a perfect record. The Azzurrini rounded off their qualifying group with a resounding 3-0 win over Scotland at Shamrock Park in Portadown. In their three wins, Corradi’s boys have scored ten goals and conceded none and finished top of Group 12 in this stage of qualifying. Now comes the Elite Round, which will be played in March – the host nation is yet to be decided. “Our aim was to win all three games on this trip,” said a smiling Corradi after the game, “in order to finish top and be in pot one of the draw for the next round. As well as qualifying itself, we were interested in how we did it; playing great football, plenty of possession of the football and a united group. The boys have grown a lot since June and they all have the chance to play and win together. Thanks also to those who are accompanying us, who have contributed in creating this atmosphere.”

The game against the Scots was won thanks to goals from Inter pair Di Maggio and Carboni, who scored the first and second respectively. The icing on the cake came deep into the second half when Alessandro Bolzan bagged Italy’s third. Bernardo Corradi made five changes to the team that started against Northern Ireland but the team showed the same grit and style.

THE GAME. Italy started brightly, creating a couple of changes through Bruno and Di Maggio, who both forced the Scottish ‘keeper into making saves. Inter midfielder Luca di Maggio – who was excellent – gave Italy the lead in the 31st minute, finishing off a lovely move from close range. It was 1-0 at the break.

The tune didn’t change at the start of the second half. In the 50th minute, Scotland midfielder Reid brought Di Maggio down in the box; his club teammate Valentin Carboni converted from the penalty spot. Scotland his the crossbar through Doak (77’) but the Azzurrini killed off the game ten minutes later through Bolzan to make it 3-0 (87’).

Scotland 0-3 Italy

31’ Di Maggio, 50’ Carboni (pen.), 87’ Bolzan

ITALY U17 (4-3-1-2) : Magro; Domanico, Mane, Chiarodia, Milani (61' Saiani); Di Maggio, Lipani (C), Onofrietti (45' Parravicini); Carboni (88' Marconi), Vacca (61' Bolzan, 88' Malaspina), Bruno. A disp. Raimondi (GK), Serra, Ciammaglichella, Della Monache. All. Corradi.

Under 17 Qualifying Group 12: Albania, Northern Ireland, ITALY, Scotland

Results and standings

Wednesday 27 October

ITALY 5-0 -Albania

Northern Ireland 2-3 Scotland

Saturday 30 October

Northern Ireland 0-2 ITALY

Scotland 3-2 Albania

Tuesday 2 November

Scotland 0-3 ITALIA

Northern Ireland 2-2 Albania

Standings: Italy 9 points, Scotland 6, Albania and Northern Ireland 1