Both sides had a man sent off as Sweden Under-21s came from behind to beat Italy Under-21s this evening in the opening Group B match at U21 Euro 2015.
The Italians saw plenty of the ball early on and came close to taking a bizarre lead when Federico Viviani's cross almost snuck in.
The Azzurri were soon ahead, though, when Domenico Berardi stroked home from the penalty spot after Alexander Milosevic had been sent off for bringing down Andrea Belotti in the area.
Daniele Baselli almost put Italy two in front soon after half time, but 10-man Sweden levelled the scores through John Guidetti, who stabbed home from close range in the 56th minute.
Italy recovered from conceding and appeared more likely to score the winner, but then Stefano Sturaro was shown a straight red card for a shove, making it 10 a side for the last 10 minutes.
Sweden scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 86th minute through Isaac Kiese Thelin after Italy keeper Francesco Bardi had upended Mikael Ishak.
England and Portugal, the other two teams in Group B, face off later this evening.
Pascal Lemesre
Spain U21s
