Italy get a soaking but rein in Spain

Despite dominating proceedings for long periods, Spain started their bid for a third straight UEFA European Under-17 Championship title with a goalless draw against Italy in Dessau-Rosslau.

Borja chances
The wet and windy conditions did not help either side, but it was Spain who created the better chances with Borja in particular going close on a number of occasions only to be denied by Italy goalkeeper Mattia Perin.

Early salvos
Spain quickly imposed their patient possession game on Italy, although it was the Azzurrini who created the first opening, when Alberto Libertazzi burst through only for Spanish No1 Edgar to pip him to the loose ball. At the other end, Borja made space down and right before crossing for Isco who was crowded out by the Italian rearguard.

Spain on top
The champions then created the half's best chance when, after 22 minutes, Kevin jinked his way past Simone Sini and squared for Pablo Sarabia whose side-footed shot was deflected on to the bar and away to safety. The Spanish were enjoying the vast majority of the ball, but their opponents looked dangerous on the counterattack and, just before the interval, Edgar did very well to foil Giacomo Beretta with his legs after the forward had tricked his way past Albert Dalmau.

Second-half pressure
Beretta found more space ten minutes after the break, but his shot on the turn from 12 metres out was well blocked by Marc Muniesa. The pressure was building on Italy and Alex's shot from the edge of the box was half-stopped by Perin only for Borja to miss the rebound with the goal at his mercy. Perin then beat away a fierce drive from Spain's No9 after good work by substitute Iker Muniain and despite ever-more desperate defence from Italy, they held out as both teams shared the spoils in their Group A opener.