Italy Under-21s have moved to the top of Group 2 following a 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland Under-21s in Tuesday's 2017 European Championship qualifier.
The only goal of the match came in the 66th minute, with Vittorio Parigini on the scoresheet for the hosts, who finished with 10 men following a red card for Federico Bernardeschi.
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It was Italy that had the first real chance of the match in the fourth minute, but Alberto Cerri could not test Daniel Rogers after finding space inside the box.
Republic of Ireland settled after a slow start and came close in the 17th minute through Jack Byrne, but again the opposing goalkeeper came out on top as Alessio Cragno got down to make the save.
The match remained level as the 30-minute mark passed, but it was Italy that continued to look the most likely, with Bernardeschi twice coming close with attempts from distance. A fairly uneventful first period brought just one attempt on target, however, as the two teams entered the break on level terms.
Italy came closest to making the breakthrough in the early stages of the second half through Gaetano Monachello and Bernardschi, but neither could hit the target from outside the box.
The hosts were ahead in the 66th minute, however, when Parigini converted after excellent work from Bernardeschi. Italy's joy was somewhat short-lived though as Bernardeschi picked up his second yellow four minutes later to leave the home side with 10 men.
Republic of Ireland had a wonderful chance to level in the 75th minute through Sean Kavanagh, but the attacker could not convert from inside the box. Dylan Connolly also came close late on as the visitors continued to press, but the home team managed to hold on displace their opponents at the top of the group.
Matt Law
Spain U21s
