Mission accomplished. A single point was needed, and a point is what they got. With a 1-1 draw against Ireland, the Italy Under-21 team secured their place at the 2025 Euros, scheduled to take place in Slovakia from 11 to 28 June (draw on 3 December in Bratislava). Just like in Ascoli in June 2022, the crucial points (three in that case) for qualification came once again against the Irish, who finished third in the group due to Norway's win over Turkey. Cesare Casadei gave Italy the lead, with Moran equalising after Gnonto missed a penalty.

GRAVINA AND SPALLETTI: “It’s been an exciting journey," said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. "We achieved the goal we set for ourselves, deservedly winning the group through our style of play as well as the results. My congratulations go to Nunziata, his staff, and all the players. This Azzurri side is a fine example of youth” In the stands, fresh from their Nations League victory over Israel in Udine, were head coach Luciano Spalletti and head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon. “The work of Maurizio Viscidi and Carmine Nunziata is crucial," said Spalletti. "They’ve provided us with players who could potentially join our squad. There are several talented ones. Baldanzi is the most ready, Gnonto has already been involved, and we’re working closely together. Casadei? He went through a period of limited game time, but he's now finding his rhythm, has structure and stamina, and could be ready soon. The Under-21s have several strong midfielders, and Fabbian and Bove weren’t even involved today. Others could also make their way into the senior squad".

NUNZIATA: "Looking at the journey, it’s a well-deserved qualification", commented Nunziata. "We never lost and conceded very few goals (4 in 10 matches), but today was tough. Ireland pressed us hard, with a lot of long balls, but our defenders did very well. We struggled in the first 20 minutes, and then we had the chance to seal the game with the penalty, but we kept it open. In the second half, we suffered".

THE MATCH. Without the suspended Coppola and missing Pirola, Nunziata fielded Bertola alongside Ghilardi in defence, with Baldanzi and Gnonto supporting Esposito. The game started on a tough note for Italy, who almost fell behind in the 17th minute: after a header from Kenny, Desplanches let the ball slip, but Bertola made a crucial goal-line clearance. Six minutes later, Casadei made no mistake: fed by Gnonto and following a dummy from Esposito, the Azzurri midfielder struck with his left foot to beat Brooks. Italy came close to doubling their lead three times before the break. Gnonto fired a shot from 20 metres that hit the crossbar, aided by a slight deflection from the Irish goalkeeper, and Baldanzi missed the target from a free kick. The Roma player then won a penalty, but Gnonto sent his effort over the bar.

ITALY 1-1 IRELAND 
GOALSCORERS: 23' Casadei (IT), 66' Moran (IR)

ITALY (4-3-2-1): Desplanches; Savona, Ghilardi, Bertola, Zanotti (76' Turicchia); Casadei, Prati, Ndour; Baldanzi (46' Bonfanti), Gnonto (76' Koleosho); Esposito (53' Fabbian). Unused subs: Zacchi, Bove, Ambrosino, Fazzini, Comuzzo. All. Nunziata

IRLANDA (5-3-2): Brooks; Curti (46' O'Brien), Abankwah, Adegboyega, Garcia-MacNulty, Roughan (46'  Adaramola); Healu, Adeeko (81' O'Mahony), Moran; Kenny (59' Emakhu), Armstrong. Unused subs: Keeley, Vata, O'Riordan, Umeh, Phillips. All. Crawford

REFEREE: Ladeback (Sweden). ASSISTANTS: Nyberg, Yng (Sweden). Fourth Official: Johnson (Sweden)

NOTE: Bookings Adaramola (IR), Casadei (IT), Emakhu (IR), Prati (IT), Adegboyega (IR)

UEFA EURO UNDER 21 2025 - GROUP A

Tuesday 15 October
ITALY 1-1 Ireland
Norway 5-1 Türkiye
San Marino 0-3 Latvia

FINAL TABLE: ITALY 22, Norway and Ireland 19, Türkiye 13, Latvia 11, San Marino 0