England and Italy met in their opening Group A fixture in the European Under-21 Championships on Wednesday.
It was Italy that dominated proceedings in the first period, but the Azzurri could not find the back of the net despite numerous chances.
England had two goals disallowed in the early stages of the second half, but it was Italy that took all three points courtesy of a late free kick from Lorenzo Insigne.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Domestic football may have stopped for the summer, but now our focus switches to the Under-21 European Championships in Israel, with a host of young talent keen to make their mark. Both England and Italy are expected to progress from the group stages, which makes this tie all the more important.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Wilfried Zaha for England this evening with the Manchester United striker still nursing a knee injury. Meanwhile, Danny Rose and Thomas Ince are both suspended. Italy have Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti in the middle of their midfield, while Fabio Borini also starts in attack. Full team news to follow.
TEAMS:
ENGLAND: Butland; Clyne, Caulker, Dawson, Robinson; Henderson, Lowe, Shelvey, Redmond; Sordell, Wickham
ITALY: Bardi; Donati, Biraghi, Caldirola, Bianchetti; Verratti, Florenzi, Marrone, Immobile; Insigne, Borini
So there we have it. No Zaha as mentioned, but the forward is selected among the substitutes. The striking positions for England are awarded to Marvin Sordell and Connor Wickham, while there is also a place for Birmingham City youngster Nathan Redmond. Lorenzo Insigne makes it for Italy despite an injury concern, while Luca Caldirola skippers the team from defence.
As mentioned, this will be the 12th competitive meeting between the two sides at this level, with each securing four victories and the remaining three ending in a draw. The most recent clash – which came in matchday two of the 2007 competition – ended in a 2-2 draw. David Nugent and Leroy Lita scored the goals for England, while Giorgio Chiellini and Alberto Aquilani registered for Italy.
The two sides also clashed in the group stages of the 2000 and 2002 tournaments, but it was Italy that emerged victorious on both occasions. However, this is the Azzurri’s first tournament appearance for four years. They failed to qualify for the finals in 2011, but did make it to the final four in 2009.
It proved to be a fairly straightforward qualification process for England, with Stuart Pearce’s side finishing top of Group 8 having won seven of their eight fixtures. They managed 24 goals in those eight games, conceding just three times in the process. They then needed two 1-0 wins over Serbia in the playoffs to book their spot in Israel.
Italy, meanwhile, enjoyed a similar record in qualification with six wins from their eight matches, which was enough to top Group 7. They scored 27 goals in the process, but conceded eight times. They were then paired with Sweden in the playoffs, but secured a 1-0 victory at home before emerging 3-2 winners in the away leg.
England enter the competition having won the tournament on two separate occasions – in 1982 and 1984. As mentioned, they were runners-up in the 2009 campaign, where they were beaten by an impressive Germany side. It proved to be a disappointing tournament last time out, however, with the nation failing to progress past the group stage.
The statistics do favour England, meanwhile, when it comes to the opening match in tournaments. The Three Lions have lost just one of their five matchday one fixtures in this competition, but ironically that loss came against Italy in 2000. Last time out they recorded a 1-1 draw with eventual winners Spain.
FULL-TIME: Israel 2-2 Norway Group A's early start has ended in a share of the spoils with the hosts Israel holding Norway to a 2-2 draw. Twice the home side took the lead, but Norway fought back to claim a point. That is good result for England and Italy ahead of their clash this evening.
Italy, as mentioned, did not qualify in 2011, but they have won the competition on five separate occasions – 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2004. They are also the only side to have won the tournament three times in a row. They will be keen to make up for lost time in Israel.
Italy have been disappointing on matchday one of the competition, however, with that win over England their only victory in five attempts. They began their 2009 tournament with a 0-0 draw against Serbia, but have lost two and drawn two of the remaining four. In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for either side this evening.
It has been a relaxed build-up for England with Pearce’s squad arriving in Israel on Sunday having spent a period training in Turkey. The nation have also been lucky in terms of injuries with Manchester United’s Wilfried Zaha, who helped Crystal Palace to the Premier League last season, the only player to miss training in the build-up to this match.
Italy, meanwhile, recorded a 5-0 win over AS Varese’s youth side on Friday. They have had injury concerns over Luca Marrone and Lorenzo Insigne, but have otherwise had a clean bill of health. Just two of their 23-man squad – Fabio Borini and Marco Verratti –are based outside of Italy, meanwhile, which has certainly helped their preparation.
In terms of England’s squad for the tournament, there were no real surprises. The likes of Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones could have been selected, but due to the injuries and involvement in the senior squad, Pearce has once more been forced to select upcoming players, rather than already established internationals.
They have an impressive goalkeeper in the shape of Jack Butland, while a defence that includes the likes of Steven Caulker, Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Rose has given the nation reason to be optimistic. Skipper Jordan Henderson will provide plenty of experience in the midfield, while Zaha will be given the main task in attack.
Italy boss Devis Mangia, meanwhile, has been unable to select AC Milan duo Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia de Sciglio, but there is plenty of experience in the squad with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti enjoying a fine season in France. Mangia also has plenty of options in attack in the shape of Liverpool’s Borini and Roma’s Mattia Destro.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can only mean one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. I must admit that I fancied England to take something from the fixture this evening, but looking at the two sides, I worry for Pearce's side in the middle of the park. I am backing a narrow win for the Italians in Israel.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news. No Zaha for England, with Sordell and Wickham starting in attack. Italy, meanwhile, pair Insigne and Borini, with Destro starting on the bench.
It must be said that both national anthems were sung passionately by both sides. Plenty of Italians inside the stadium this evening, while English supporters have also turned up in their numbers. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this type of match. Italy get the action underway.
It's a bright start from Shelvey as the Liverpool midfielder collects possession outside the box before driving past Donati, but the full-back fells the playmaker in passing. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Redmond, but the flag is raised for offside, before Italy launch a counter down the other end with Insigne, who was expected to miss this match with a foot injury.
Not too much in terms of possession for either side at the moment with each battling for the ball in the middle of the park. Borini is involved for Italy as the forward collects a pass from Florenzi before driving a cross into the box, but Caulker is across to clear. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.
Shelvey tries the spectacular as he strikes an effort from just inside the Italy half, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Italy immediately counter down the other end with Marrone, but the offside flag is raised. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as both sides continue to commit numbers to each attack.
No sign of the tempo slowing, especially in the middle of the pitch, as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. Shelvey is again involved for England as he collects a pass from Lowe before searching out Wickham, but the Sunderland striker was always struggling in the battle with Biraghi. Not too much in terms of opportunities in the opening eight minutes, but certainly reason to be positive.
Good pressure from the Italians in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Caulker before Butland palms the second to safety. Florenzi collects possession on the edge of the box, but he loses control before fouling Clyne. Wickham has a half-chance for England moments later, but his effort is straight at Bardi in the Italy goal.
CHANCE! Clearest chance of the match by some distance as Immobile beats the offside trap before driving past Dawson, but his effort is just wide of the post. Plenty of signs to be positive with his pace outstripping the England defence. Meanwhile, England continue to look long with the power of Wickham and Sordell.
Again it's good work from Italy as Florenzi drives a cross into the box, but it was too high for Insigne, who had made a move into the box. Just a few signs that Italy are starting to get to grips with proceedings as Florenzi fires straight at Jack Robinson moments later. All one-way traffic with 14 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Italy as Clyne makes a meal of a back-pass towards Butland, but the defender just manages to clear under pressure from Insigne. England just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues to grow. However, still the score remains goalless with 16 minutes on the clock.
The opportunities continue to fall for Italy as Insigne collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. England simply cannot keep the ball for longer than a couple of seconds as the first period begins to gather pace. Not too much from Henderson and Lowe in the middle of the park thus far. However, Redmond continues to look bright down the right.
Better pressure from the Three Lions in the last few moments with the likes of Lowe and Shelvey starting to force the Italians into long passes, which does not suit their style. Shelvey threatens to burst into the Italy box moments later, but his first touch is really poor. You just get the feeling that this match could be decided by the odd goal this evening.
Another half-chance for Insigne as the forward collects a loose ball at the back post before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Somehow England remain in the match, but it could have been two or three in the opening 23 minutes. Aside from a tame Wickham effort, England have not threatened the Italy goal thus far.
Redmond remains England's best player by some distance as the Birmingham City youngster continues to deliver telling balls from the right, but Wickham has been unable to find himself in the right areas thus far. Italy once more threaten following a fine passing sequence, but Insigne can only clip over the crossbar. Another chance goes begging for the striker.
Insigne continues to threaten for Italy as he collects possession outside the box before sliding a pass towards Immobile, but it had too much power for the number nine. England are starting to threaten through the middle, but they have been unable to fashion a chance on goal thus far. If it were a boxing match, Italy would be winning by some distance on points.
It must be said that the pitch is in wonderful condition this evening, no problems with that. Italy are certainly playing the better football, however, as they continue to cut through England with quick passing. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, Italy have been dominant, but England's impressive defensive record continues.
Half-chance for Lowe as the Blackburn Rovers midfielder collects possession outside the box before driving an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Finally a bit of quality in possession. Italy are on the attack moments later with Florenzi, but his cross is headed clear by Caulker. More of an even contest as we approach the latter stages of the first period.
Clyne just cannot contain Insigne at the moment as the Napoli forward continues to turn the right-back inside out. There is no question that the latter has been the standout player on the pitch thus far. The only thing missing from Italy's performance is a goal. England are crying out for a bit of pace in the final third - Zaha anyone?!
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Italy continue to dominate possession. Bright work from Borini allows Lorenzi the chance to whip a dangerous cross into the box, but Immobile is penalised for handball. A free kick follows for Italy moments later, but Caulker is on hand to make the clearance.
One-way traffic in the latter stages of the first period as England continue to sit in front of their own penalty area, with Italy struggling to find that elusive final pass. It is easy to see why England have had such an impressive defensive record in recent matches, but at the same time it is not difficult to see why they do not score too many goals.
It's bright work from Redmond once more as the England winger drives past two defenders before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Marrone has a strike from outside the box down the other end, but it was comfortable for Butland. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
Italy want a penalty as Florenzi is seemingly felled in the box by Dawson, but the referee is not interested. For me, it was a clear penalty. Safe to say that the Italian players are not too happy. A free kick is whipped into the Italian box by Shelvey moments later, but it comes to nothing.
Not too much football remaining in the first period with the score still level at 0-0. In truth, Italy could be three goals ahead at this point, but their finishing has been poor. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a host of poor challenges in the middle of the park.
Italy continue to enjoy the majority of the possession in the latter stages of the half, but chances have been few and far between in the last 10 minutes or so. Complaints from the Italian contingent as the two sides leave the pitch. How costly could that penalty decision prove to be?
HALF-TIME: England 0-0 Italy
It is now over 14 hours since England last conceded at this level, which is a quite remarkable statistic. However, they are lucky that is the case after a first period which was dominated by Italy. Insigne has been the standout player on the pitch, but thus far the Blues have been let down by their finishing.
STATISTICS: Italy have had more attempts in the first period with eight to England's five, but they have thus far failed to test Butland in the England goal. The only attempt on target from either side came via a Lowe shot in the latter stages. Meanwhile, neither side has picked up a booking thus far.
BENCH WATCH: England have plenty of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Zaha, Nathan Delfouneso and Henri Lansbury, while Italy have the likes of Rossi, Destro and Sansone in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period develops.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage. Surely Italy will find the back of the net if they continue to dominate the ball in the second period. England get the half underway in Israel.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage. Surely Italy will find the back of the net if they continue to dominate the ball in the second period. England get the half underway in Israel.
Bright start to the half from England as Shelvey finds Sordell down the right, the Bolton forward drives a low cross into the box, but Donati is across to clear at the vital moment. Robinson delivers a deep cross into the box moments later, but Bardi keeps his concentration to collect. Wickham finds the back of the net moments later, but the flag is raised for offside.
GOAL! England 1-0 Italy (Dawson)
England have the lead with 49 minutes on the clock as Dawson glances a header into the corner from close range. Poor defending from Italy, but the West Bromwich Albion centre-back took full advantage. Can Italy respond?
CORRECTION: THE GOAL HAS BEEN DISALLOWED
Well, it appears that the goal has been disallowed?! While England were celebrating it is understood that the linesman had raised his flag, which the referee did not initially spot. One thing is for certain, the score remains 0-0 with 53 minutes on the clock.
Well, England have now had two goals disallowed in the second period. One for offside and one for a push in the box. It has certainly raised the Three Lions, however, with Italy now struggling to keep hold of the ball. You sense that one goal would be enough to win this match.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but England are certainly dominating possession, which was not the case in the first period. I suspect we could see changes from both sides in the next 10 minutes or so. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Israel.
Really bitty match at the moment with the referee forced to intervene with a number of challenges flying in from both sides. Italy want another penalty as Robinson appears to handle in the box, but once more the referee is not interested. Fairly low-key atmosphere inside the stadium with little under 59 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Italy as Immobile strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. That proves to be his last involvement as the forward is replaced by Manolo Gabbiadini. It is a surprise that Destro has not been called upon. Still no changes from England boss Stuart Pearce.
Just a few signs that Italy are starting to find their feet once more with Insigne and Verratti seeing more of the possession. A half-chance arrives for Borini as the Italian meets a cross from Florenzi, but Butland palms it wide of the post. The resulting corner is taken by Marrone, but the delivery is poor. The score remains level at 0-0.
Butland gets away with one for England as the goalkeeper comes to punch, but gets nowhere near the cross. Luckily for the soon-to-be Stoke stopper is able to collect. Another mistake from Butland presents the ball to Borini moments later, but the Italian can only fire wide of the post. He just has to do better from that angle. Change for England, meanwhile, as Chalobah replaces Sordell.
Another half-chance for Borini as the Liverpool forward collects a pass from Marrone before striking an effort from close range, but Dawson is on hand to make the clearance. The pressure continues with Florenzi, but his cross is collected by Butland. England attempt to fashion a chance through Shelvey moments later, but it comes to nothing. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Italy just cannot find that final ball at the moment, with England comfortable in sweeping up each long pass into the box. It's better from England as Henderson bursts into the box before finding Wickham, but once more the flag is raised. You just get the feeling that there is a goal to come in the final 20 minutes or so.
It is almost like a training ground exercise for Italy at the moment with England keeping all 10 outfield players behind the ball. A foul on Gabbiadini from Shelvey presents the Italians with a free kick, but Insigne has a fresh air shot following a smart pass from Verratti.
It appears that England would settle for a draw as they continue to defend deep, but Italy are intent on securing all three points. We have not seen too much from Insigne in the second period, however, while Borini continues to be wasteful in front of goal. I suspect we could see another change with the final 15 minutes approaching.
Another change for England as Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran comes on to replace Shelvey, who has not had the best of evenings. Italy look long once more with a pass towards Borini, but once more Dawson is on hand to make the clearance. Not too much in terms of chances for either side in the last few moments.
Italy want another penalty as Gabbiadini is felled by Clyne, but the referee awards a free kick outside the box. It was very close, but once more the decision has favoured England. Meanwhile, Italy make another change with Borini exiting the field in place of Destro. Can Italy find that elusive goal?
GOAL! England 0-1 Italy (Insigne)
Italy finally have the lead as Insigne bends a wonderful free kick into the back of the net from outside the box. Stunning effort from the Napoli forward. Butland did make contact, but it was not enough to keep it out.
In truth, it has been coming. England have had two goals disallowed in the second period, but Italy have been much the better side this evening. That said, there is still little under 10 minutes remaining for England to turn this one around. It appears that Delfouneso will soon join us on the pitch.
The change is indeed made as Wickham is replaced by Delfouneso. The striker will provide more pace in the final third, but England have now lost that aerial threat. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes with Italy comfortable in possession of the ball.
Gabbiadini tries his luck from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Just a reminder that the early start in Group A ended in a 2-2 draw between Israel and Norway. As it stands, England would be bottom of the group after one game. Little under five minutes of football remaining, with Italy comfortable in possession.
Half-chance for Redmond as the winger collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Italy make their third change moments later as Marrone is replaced by Fausto Rossi. Little over two minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for England as Henderson whips a free kick into the box, but Bardi is comfortable making the clearance. Another opportunity follows from a Dawson header, but again a ree kick is awarded. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes.
Not too much to report in stoppage time with Italy comfortable in possession of the ball. England continue to throw high balls into the box, but it does appear that they are heading for defeat in their opening Group A match. McEachran has a sighter down the left, but it comes to nothing.
Late chance for Henderson from a free kick outside the box, but twice the Liverpool midfielder fails to find the target, before Bardi makes a wonderful save to deny the skipper. That is just about that.
FULL-TIME: England 0-1 Italy
So there we have it. A late free kick from Insigne secures all three points for Italy in their Group A opener against England. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more European Championship football tomorrow. Until then!
