Heart, determination, Belotti’s opener and Benassi’s brace were not enough. Italy beat England 3-1, but the 1-1 draw between Portugal and Sweden condemned the Azzurrini to elimination from the European U21 Championship. It was a bittersweet victory, with the opportunity to qualify for Rio de Janeiro Olympics also vanishing. Italy’s best performance under Di Biagio saw them stun the Three Lions, but it was Portugal and Sweden who made the semi-finals, with the Scandinavians finding the equaliser with just a few minutes left. The Azzurrini bow out of the European Championship with their heads held high.

Italy once again adopted a 4-3-3 formation with Belotti and Trotta up front alongside Berardi. The Azzurrini’s great determination made the difference in the game and they had two chances through Belotti and Berardi in the first ten minutes. It was then English striker Kane who had a good opportunity, but his effort went wide. The Tottenham striker offered more danger ten minutes later, but this time Bardi saved well. Italy took the lead in the 25th minute through Belotti, who beat Butland with a volley from inside the box. The Azzurrini doubled their lead just two minutes later, this time through Benassi.

Italy kept dictating the play in the second half and made their first change in the 63rd minute, with Sabelli replacing Berardi. England had a few chances, but their forwards were not clinical enough. The Azzurrini, on the other hand, were demonstrating their prowess in front of goal and scored again in the 72nd minute, with Benassi’s netting his second of the day, this time through a header.

Italy made other two changes, with Verdi and Viviani coming on for Totta and Zappacosta respectively. The Azzurrini then received the welcome news of Portugal’s lead against Sweden, but in the final stages of the match, the Scandinavians levelled up the game, while England also scored a consolation goal to make it 3-1.

This final score sends home both England and Italy. “It’s very tough to stomach,” commented Benassi. “That’s how it goes. We did all we could. The draw between Portugal and Sweden? I don’t want to think maliciously; I would hope that things like that don’t happen during a European Championship. The draw is simply how the game played out.”

A very disappointed head coach Di Biagio commented: “It’s tough to go out like this; we’re disappointed. I cannot blame my players for anything. Not getting points in the first match proved key. I’m proud of my team. I began coaching this group of players two years ago – most of the players did not play at their respective clubs and many of them are now ready for the senior team. Missing out on qualification for the Olympics is tough to swallow for me, the players, the fans and the Federation, but I’m still convinced that we played the best football of the teams in our group.”