Italy has qualified for the European U-21 Championship 2023 group phase after sweeping the Republic of Ireland aside 4-1 for consolidating the top spot in the group. Both teams had been guaranteed at least the play-off. However, Azzurrini knew a point is going to be enough to secure the top spot in the group and thus, automatic qualification to the group phase in Georgia and Romania in June 2023.

The angled drive of Pietro Pellegri forced a tricky save in the opening a few minutes, then Nicolo Cambiaghi grilled wide and Andrea Cambiaso simply failed to reach a cross 6 yards out. Mark McGuinness, on a corner, hauled down Caleb Okoli for a penalty with arms around his shoulders and neck. Geno and Nicolo Rovella, the future Juventus converted to put Italy in front. Continue reading →