U-19: Five-star Italy off to flier

Italy 5-2 Sweden (Katerini, Greece)
Italy got their bid for a first appearance in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in three years off to a fine start by twice coming from behind to score five against Sweden.

Sweden, who were eliminated by eventual winners Spain at this stage in last year's competition, were in front after just two minutes of their first Group 2 game in Katerini when Rasmus Elm found the net. The lead only lasted a minute before Paolo Carbonaro levelled but they soon found themselves behind again after Michael Almeback's goal midway through the half. Parity was restored before half-time however, when defender Denis Tonucci produced a second equaliser on 39 minutes.

If they had been behind for much of the first half, Italy turned things around after the break with three strikes that sealed three precious points. Parma midfielder Matteo Mandorlini, the son of former Internazionale player Andrea, gave Italy the lead for the first time on 58 minutes before Fernando Forestieri (87) and Michael Cia (90) extended the margin of victory.

Italy will be hoping to build on the win when they meet mini-tournament hosts Greece on Sunday while Sweden next play Croatia the same day.