Italy were relentless. At the Myyrmäki Stadium in Helsinki, the Under 19 national team beat hosts, Finland, in their second match of the elite phase of the European championships. In the first half, Miretti broke the deadlock, converting his penalty and then Gnonto struck twice; Casadei, on his debut, sealed the game for the Azzurrini with a fourth. This victory means we sit top of Group 5, with Belgium; our opponents in the final group game next Tuesday (at 16:30 CET, with the live stream available on the FIGC website). The game will be decisive, as the winner will qualify for the final stages of the European championships.

After 21 minutes, Mulazzi was brought down in the penalty area, and Italy were awarded the penalty kick; Miretti took charge, and made no mistake. At 42 minutes, Gnonto shared a smart exchange with Fabbian and from the edge of the area, his shot nestled into the goalkeeper’s bottom-left corner. Just a minute later, the goalkeeper was caught with the ball at his feet, and the Zurich striker took advantage, to bag his second goal of the game, bringing his tournament total to three goals scored in these two games, making top-scorer in the group for a short while.

There were a couple of chances for Nasti and Ambrosino before the Azzurrini found a fourth, courtesy of the debutant, Casadei who poked the ball home.

Italy 4-0 Finland

Goalscorers: Miretti (R) 22’, Gnonto 42’ and 43’, Casadei 74’

Italy (4-3-1-2). Desplanches; Zanotti, Ghilardi, Scalvini, Mulazzi (Turricchia 46’); Fabbian (Terracciano 81’), Faticanti, Casadei; Gnonto (C) (Nasti 46’), Miretti (Giovane 64’), Ambrosino (Baldanzi 75’). Coach : Nunziata. Subs : Zacchi, Coppola, Nasti, Fazzini.

Finland (4-3-3). Rihimaki (C); Kemmpainen (Kivikko 46’), Koskela (Nikki 64’), Talo, Wallius; Stjopin (Meriluoto 87’), Hyrylainen (Patut 77’), Walta; Terho, Sadiku, Saarikivi (Koskinen 64’). Coach: Lundberg. Subs: Henriksson, Ikonen, Pettersson, Keskinen.

Referee. Aleksandrs Anufrijevs (LVA). Linesmen: Jevgenijs Morozovs (LVA) and Erik Weiss (SVK); Fourth Official, Peter Kralović (SVK).

Bookings. Kemppainen 24’, Terracciano 90’ 

Schedule and standings

Wednesday 23 March

Italy 2-2 Germany

Finland 1-3 Belgium

Saturday 26 March

Belgium 2-2 Germany

Finland 4-0 Italy

Standings. Italy and Belgium 4 pts, Germany 2, Finland 0

Tuesday 29 March

Germany v Finland, Helsinki Football Stadium (Helsinki), 16:30 CET

Belgium v Italy, Myyrmäki Stadium (Vantaa), 16:30 CET (direct stream via the FIGC website)