The Azzurrini pick up another victoy. After their win over Kosovo, European qualification looms closer
In Poggibonsi, Corradi's Italian side were too strong for their Kosovan counterparts (1-0) who were camped in their on half, defending for the majority of the match. The goal came from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, courtesy of Alessandro Bolzan; the victory indicates a significant step as the team works towards qualifying round progression. The last match is this coming Tuesday in Siena, as we take on Ukraine (from 15:00 CEST live on Rai Sport HD)Saturday, April 23, 2022
After the victory against Poland (1-0) three days ago, the Azzurrini took on Kosovo today in Poggibonsi, winning on behalf of Alessandro Bolzan’s penalty. It was a challenging match, against a team that parked the bus for the duration of the game: an impassable wall that Corradi's boys managed to breach, but only 15 minutes from time with a superb penalty from Bolzan: "Ice was running through my veins” the Roma striker says, smiling “and I managed to deceive the goalkeeper." Bernardo Corradi was satisfied post-match: "We found it difficult to get the better of a team that never tried to play and were solely focused on keeping us out, but in the end we found a way through. The guys kept their composure really well and showed patience at the right time." It’s a result that puts one foot in the final stages, but Ukraine await in our last match on Tuesday: “We don’t think about the maths too much, we came here to win all three games” says the Azzurro coach “and finish first in the group with 9 points”.
With 15 minutes to go, Onofrietti found space in the area and was brought down by Bllaca. From twelve yards, Alessandro Bolzan held his nerve and dispatched the penalty, sending Gjokaj the wrong way. Kosovo tried to come back but the Azzurrini kept them at bay.
In the other match in the group, Poland beat Ukraine (3-2). Despite Italy’s victory, which gives them a 6 point lead in the group, they are not yet mathematically guaranteed passage to the next round. The Azzurrini have one foot in the European Championship finals and have their last match with Ukraine, on Tuesday (live Rai Sport HD from 15:00 CST); there a two possible results that will guarantee their progression.
Italy 1-0 Kosovo
Goalscorer(s), 75’ Bolzan (R)
ITALY (4-3-1-2) : Magro; Serra, Domanico, Chiarodia, Milani (58' Saiani); Parravicini (58' Onofrietti), Lipani (C), Di Maggio; Bruno; Bolzan (90'+2 Misitano), Delle Monache (79' Vacca).
Unused substitutes. Borriello (GK), Mane, Quieto, Malaspina. Coach. Corradi.
KOSOVO U17 (4-3-3) : Gjokaj; Marku (68' Lokaj), Shahini, Sylaj, Ahmeti; Fazlija, Bllaca (82' Luma), Bashota (82' Muji); Jashari (C), Kajtazi, Krasniqi. Unused substitutes. Mala (GK), Bajraktari, Rashica, Merlaku, Gllogu. Coach. Abazi.
Referee: Rob Hennessy (IRL); Linesmen: Christopher Campbell (IRL) and Ferencz Tunyogy (ROU);
Fourth Official: Marian Alexandru Barbu (ROU).
Bookings: 38' Lipani, 45' Bllaca, 45'+1 Delle Monache, 75' Sylaj.
Calendar and standings
Wednesday 20 April
Italy 1-0 Poland
Kosovo 0-2 Ukraine
Saturday 23 April
Ukraine 2-3 Poland
Italy 1-0 Kosovo
Standings. Italy 6 pts, Poland and Ukraine 3, Kosovo 0
Tuesday 26 April
Ukraine v Italy, Stadio Artemio Franchi di Siena, at 15:00 CEST (live on Rai Sport HD, channel 58 on terrestrial tv, broadcast to start at 14:50 CEST)
Poland v Kosovo, Stadio Comunale Gino Manni di Colle di Val D’Elsa, at 15:00 CEST
