FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio was the first to compliment Di Biagio after watching the match on television. “It was a great result after a wonderful year-long journey of hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm from everybody,” said Tavecchio.
 
Italy had to deal with a number of absences on their way to achieving their objective. Cragno was in goal, Conti, Caldara, Ferrari and Barreca were in defence. Benassi, Cataldi, Grassi were in midfield with Ricci, Rosseti and Di Francesco up front. The side started with the right attitude with good attacking intent even if moves lacked precision in the final third. Benassi went close to scoring in the 20th minute as he forced a good save from Svedkauskas. Sassuolo’s Federico Ricci went close in the 40th minute from 30 metres as he forced a great save from the Lithuania goalkeeper.
 
Italy controlled the game in the second half as they looked to break the deadlock. Di Francesco missed narrowly in the 49th minute after some individual work. Petagana went close six minutes after on his debut as he narrowly missed the target. The Azzurrini were the only side likely to win and there was a chance in the 73rd minute. Benassi picked out Conti who fired just off target and Di Francesco wasn’t able to get a touch. Morosini hit the crossbar in the 92nd minute as the game came to an end. ]]>