A late free kick from Lorenzo Insigne secured all three points for Italy in their European Under-21 Championship Group A clash with England 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 Insigne.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
England:
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 42%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 16
Italy:
Shots: 15
On target: 2
Possession: 58%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
There is no question that Italy deserved to pick up all three points this evening. In truth, they could have been three goals ahead at the interval, but poor finishing cost them the chance to enter the break with a lead. England improved in the second period, but failed to really conjure any clear chances. Overall, Italy certainly deserved to come out on top this evening.
England's performance
Despite a couple of flashes, it proved to be another disappointing evening for Stuart Pearce's side. It is easy to see why they have a strong defensive record at this level, but at the same time it is not too difficult to see why they struggle to find the back of the net. Nathan Redmond was their main threat, but their front pair failed to have any real influence on proceedings.
Italy's performance
It was an impressive performance from the Azzurri this evening. As mentioned, they could and perhaps should have entered the break with a lead, but they continued to dominate possession up until the final whistle. They were the better side in all areas of the pitch, with Marco Verratti dictating the tempo from the middle of the park.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lorenzo Insigne: It had been suggested that the 22-year-old would be the star of the tournament this summer. Following his performance this evening, that could indeed be the case. The Napoli forward was a menace throughout the 90 minutes, while it was his wonderful free kick that secured all three points for Italy.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Fabio Borini had a host of opportunities this evening, but on each occasion the Liverpool forward decided to shoot rather than look for the easy pass. It was a fairly disappointing showing from the Italian striker, who was eventually substituted in the second half.
Referee performance
Antony Gautier angered Italy in the latter stages of the first period when he failed to award a penalty despite Jack Robinson seemingly felling Alessandro Florenzi in the box. The 35-year-old Frenchman also disallowed two England goals in the second period, with the second decision controversial. Overall, it was a difficult evening for the official.
What next?
England: Pearce's side will hope to return to winning ways when they face Norway in their second match in Group A on Saturday.
Italy: Italy are also in action on Saturday when they clash with the hosts Israel, who drew 2-2 with Norway in their opening match of the competition.
Matt Law
Spain U21s
