Soriano keeps Italy in touch with Wales

Italy drew level on points with Group 3 leaders Wales thanks to a 1-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their penultimate UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying fixture.

Wales can reclaim top spot in the section with a win against Hungary on Saturday but now know that anything less than three points will open the door for Pierluigi Casiraghi's side in the race for an automatic play-off berth. The Azzurrini, who welcome Wales to Pescara on Tuesday, prevailed against Bosnia-Herzegovina thanks to Roberto Soriano's goal 15 minutes from time, reward for their first-half superiority.

Cristian Pasquato's free-kicks proved particularly threatening but it was Stefano Okaka who spurned the best chance when he shot wide after Soriano's clever pass. The visitors were equally dominant in possession after the break but again struggled to find a way through, Ibrahim Šehić smothering Guido Marilungo when the substitute appeared to be in on goal. The deadlock was finally broken courtesy of an sharp Italy counterattack, Marilungo providing the incisive pass and Soriano the emphatic finish.