Zaalman header ends home hopes

By Paul Saffer at Stadio Ettore Mannucci

Melvin Zaalman headed the only goal on his comeback from injury to send the Netherlands into the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final against Turkey.

Close encounter
It took extra time for the Dutch to find a way past Italy, but the hosts' campaign was ended, and the Netherlands return here on Saturday as well as qualifying for this autumn's FIFA U-17 World Championship.

Trio suspended
Italy's first-choice No1 Enrico Alfonso picked up a two-game suspension along with midfield player Ivan Castiglia following Sunday's defeat of England, meaning Paolo Tornaghi stepped in to keep goal with no custodian on the bench. Dutch captain Dirk Marcellis was also banned, so Mike van der Kooij started in defence.

Emnes efforts
After a tight but sparky opening, the Netherlands had a useful spell and Marvin Emnes put the ball not far over. Soon afterwards the same player had a shot blocked by a defender as Italy were initially hampered by the strong wind.

Woodwork struck
On the half-hour Andrea Russotto, scorer of Italy's winners against Turkey and England, burst through the Dutch defence but could not force the ball past stand-in Netherlands captain Tim Krol. The goalkeeper was beaten in the final minute of the half by Russotto, however, only for the shot to rebound off the post.

Dutch rally
Russotto was withdrawn shortly after the interval for Davide de Gennaro, leaving Salvatore Foti as the lone forward. For the Dutch, Jeffrey Sarpong was not far away, and then Vurnon Anita and John Goossens both curled the ball over.

Zaalman arrives
Emnes was replaced an hour in by winger Zaalman, his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in the Netherlands' opening match against Croatia. Goossens forced Tornaghi to save with an angled shot, while Italy's Marco Mancosu bent an effort around the far post.

Extra time needed
A fine move involving Anita and Biseswar saw Goossens chip just over, but the teams were cancelling each other out and after Kril denied Mancosu, the extra 20 minutes were required.

Deadlock broken
Goossen's effort deflected wide to win a corner late in the first period, and from the resultant move Jordy Buijs's floated cross was headed in at the far post by Zaalman. The Dutch held on, and the hosts now play Croatia for third place and the remaining World Championship berth on Saturday in Santa Croce sull'Arno.