Italy Women’s U17s saw their European qualifying journey come to an end in Round 2. The Azzurrine, who needed a victory to progress, were beaten 3-2 in Sisak (Croatia) by England, who advance to the knockout stage of the tournament in Northern Ireland with a perfect record. Croatia also advance, finishing second on 4 points following their 2–2 draw with Turkey.

“We gave it everything against a very strong opponent,” said head coach Jacopo Leandri. “We had prepared well for the match and, even after conceding the opener, we kept playing. Despite a difficult start to the second half, when we conceded twice more, the girls showed great character, never gave up and pushed until the end. Unfortunately, we paid for our lack of precision in a few key moments, both in the opening match against Croatia and again today.”

Matilde Oddina, goalscorer against England

THE MATCH
Italy fell behind after nine minutes through Hirons, but responded in the 22nd minute with a well-taken free-kick from Matilde Oddina (Juventus) to level the score. The Azzurrine created further chances through Forney and Saccomandi, but early in the second half England struck twice through Bryony-Rose Brodie (50’ and 62’), opening up a two-goal lead. Angelica Ferranti (AC Milan) pulled one back in the 79th minute, but despite late pressure, Italy were unable to find the equaliser that would have kept their qualification hopes alive.

ITALY 2–3 ENGLAND (HT 1–1)

ITALY (3-5-2): Mallardi; Galluzzi, Rosso (32’ pt Andreangeli), Cacace; Forney, Ciccarelli, Guerzoni (39’ st Sterner), Oddina, Pinchi (16’ st Ferranti); Battocchio (16’ st Ciurleo), Saccomandi (39’ st Vianello).
Subs not used: Agostini, Messa, Martone.
Head coach: Leandri

ENGLAND (4-3-3): Mitchell; Ciccardini, Robinson, Nwankwo, Scott (32’ st Mellor-Antill); Brodie, Gagliano, Burton; Antoine (44’ st Brickell), Hirons (21’ st N’Drin), Dixon (44’ st Carson Matabaro).
Subs not used: Walker, Gay, Tang, Jones, St. Claire de Beaulac.
Head coach: Welsh

Goals: 9’ Hirons (ENG), 22’ Oddina (ITA), 50’ & 62’ Brodie (ENG), 79’ Ferranti (ITA)

Referee: Søkjær (Denmark)
Assistants: Rasmussen (Denmark), Gacic (Croatia)
Fourth official: Rengel (Croatia)

Bookings: Nwankwo, Scott, Ciccardini (ENG); Vianello (ITA)

GROUP A2 – FIXTURES, RESULTS AND STANDINGS

Matchday 1 (Friday 13 March)
Croatia 2–1 ITALY
England 2–1 Turkey

Matchday 2 (Monday 16 March)
England 1–0 Croatia
ITALY 3–0 Turkey

Matchday 3 (Thursday 19 March)
ITALY 2–3 England
Turkey 2–2 Croatia

Standings: England 9 points, Croatia 4, ITALY 3, Turkey 1