Last-gasp Pugliese breaks Ukraine hearts

Italy produced a remarkable late turnaround in Nitra, Slovakia, as a goal three minutes into stoppage time from Mario Pugliese cruelly ended Ukraine's survival hopes in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Beka Vachiberadze's 61st-minute strike appeared to have got Olexandr Holovko's men back on track in Group B after the opening-day loss to Russia. But just when Daniele Zoratto's Italian side looked set for a must-win game against the Russian section leaders on Saturday, substitute Vittorio Parigini scored in the 75th minute and midfielder Pugliese eight minutes later to ensure Ukraine can no longer make the final four. 

After conceding three in their tournament opener on Sunday, the Ukrainian back line was boosted by the return from suspension of Pavlo Makohon and Ihor Kyryukhantsev, and they dealt well with the aerial threat posed by Italy in the shape of bulldozing forward Alberto Cerri.

Vadym Soldatenko in the Ukraine goal showed his strength, coming out to claim a number of crosses under pressure, and made a fine save to his right to turn away Pugliese's rising drive.

Bar that effort, though, Italy were unable to craft chances on the ground, and it was the other end which saw the more dangerous goalmouth action. Federico Dimarco produced an outstanding late block to deny Olexandr Zinchenko while Andriy Boryachuk's low drive was well stopped by Simone Scuffet.

A series of Italian corners put pressure on the Ukraine goal after the interval – and almost paid dividends as Cerri acrobatically volleyed over, then sent a flying header wide in quick succession.

Pavlo Lukyanchuk spurned a glorious opening himself as he volleyed over from five metres with only Scuffet to beat, but that was swiftly forgotten when Vachiberadze controlled a cleared corner 25 metres from goal and saw his deflected effort loop into the opposition net.

That seemed enough to give Ukraine victory, yet Italy substitutes Gennaro Tutino and Parigini combined to deadly late effect. The former found the latter at the far post to turn in at the second attempt, before Pugliese struck from a tight angle in a frantic finish that sparked contrasting scenes of joy and devastation on the Nitra turf.