Italy made it three wins from three in the Elite Round of European qualifying today, thus qualifying for the final tournament in Israel as group winners. It means that the Azzurrini will face the Israelis, Germany and Luxembourg in Group A next month, a slightly easier task than what they would have had if they’d finished second during this qualifying stage.

After a warm embrace between the two sides before kick-off, Corradi’s side took the lead in the 28th minute: Bolzan found Vacca with a back-heel, and the latter made no mistake from close range. Despite chances for Chiarodia, Vacca and Onofrietti, Italy took just a one-goal advantage into the break.

The Azzurrini had to dig in at the start of the second half as Ukraine upped the pressure, but, in the 57th minute, Yanovich was sent off for a professional foul and Di Maggio stepped up to score the resulting free kick. Three minutes later, the Ukrainians were awarded a penalty for a foul by Bruno on Bilokon in the box. Kremchianin hit the post from twelve yards out and then directly converted the rebound; however, because nobody else had touched the ball, the goal was ruled out. Italy made it three after 74 minutes as Lipani fired Di Maggio’s cross past Fesysuk. In added time, Balaba scored a consolation with a header from a corner.

Corradi was delighted with his side: “I’m happy with what these wonderful lads have done; they’ve implemented all the things that we’ve tried out in training. We’ve always tried to play on the front foot and impose our game as much as possible, and we’ve managed to do this. This is a source of great satisfaction for me, and we’ll head to Israel to win again.”

In the other group match, Poland beat Kosovo 2-1 to qualify for the finals. They’ll face France, the Netherlands and Bulgaria in Group B in Israel.

Ukraine 1-3 Italy

Goalscorers: 28' Vacca (I), 58' Di Maggio (I), 74' Lipani (I), 90'+3 Balaba (U).

UKRAINE (4-2-3-1): Fesyuk; Gusiev (88' Lysenko), Syzoniuk, Balaba, Bilokon; Yanovich (C), Vasylets; Kremchanin, Matkevych (46' Firman), Derkach (66' Oharkov); Nahrudnyi (46' Dzen). Subs: Kravets (GK), Bats, Yakymenko, Mykytiuk, Yanchyshyn. Head Coach: Kuznjecov.

ITALY (4-3-1-2): Magro; Domanico, Mane, Chiarodia, Saiani (79' Malaspina); Di Maggio, Lipani (C), Onofrietti (72' Parravicini); Bruno (62' Quieto); Bolzan (72' Delle Monache), Vacca (79' Misitano).
Subs: Borriello (GK), Serra, Ciammaglichella, Milani. Head Coach: Corradi. 

Results and standings

Wednesday 20 April

Italy 1-0 Polonia

Kosovo 0-2 Ukraine

Saturday 23 April

Ukraine 2-3 Poland

Italy 1-0 Kosovo

Tuesday 26 April

Ukraine 1-3 Italy

Poland 2-1 Kosovo

Standings: Italy 9 points, Poland 6, Ukraine 3, Kosovo 0