U-17: Azzurrini set up group decider

Slovakia 0-2 Italy (Sesto al Reghena)
Italy kept up their perfect record in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 2 and set up a final-day decider with Ukraine.

Group hosts Italy beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Matchday 1, while Slovakia lost 2-0 to Ukraine. Michelangelo Albertazzi scored the first today after 23 minutes heading in a corner-kick by Fernando Forestieri. Salvatore Caturano scored the second 13 minutes from the end with a powerful left foot shot after controlling a pass by Forestieri from the left.

As Ukraine defeated the Czechs 5-2 earlier, Slovakia needed victory today to keep their hopes alive but instead on Thursday will be playing their neighbours only for pride. The Azzurrini, meanwhile, must defeat Ukraine in their decisive match to reach the finals in Belgium as Luca Gotti's team trail on goal difference.

Gotti said: "We played an excellent game and I think the team is improving both physically and technically. We are ready for the decider against Ukraine. We knew from the begininng this would be the deciding game and I'm sure we can play a great match."