Honours even between Slovakia and Italy

A late goal from Lorenzo Tassi earned hosts Italy a third-placed finish at the expense of Slovakia in elite round Group 1 of UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying.

Slovakia, who like their opponents were already out of contention for a place at the finals, fashioned the best chance of the first half when Jaroslav Mihalík crossed for Šimon Šmehyl to divert the ball over the bar.

Anton Valović's side also made a flying start to the second period, with Albert Rusnák putting them in front in the 43rd minute from Mihalík's centre. Italy responded with Tassi twice going close, first having his shot saved and then curling an effort on to the bar.

Slovakia were running down the clock when, in the third minute of added time, Miloslav Bréda fumbled Mattia Maggio's shot to the feet of Tassi, who made no mistake from close range. "I would have been sorry to lose the game and suffer another blow in addition to that of not qualifying, which is something I had really hoped for," said Italy coach Pasquale Salerno.

Valović, whose team would have finished third with a win, added: "It was bad luck, but it was also bad luck in our first game against the Czech Republic when we conceded in stoppage time. That goal against the Czech Republic influenced our whole tournament."