Acquafresca keeps Italy rolling

Robert Acquafresca celebrated his 20th birthday by scoring the only goal as Italy defeated Albania 1-0 in Durres to strengthen their grip at the top of Group 1 in qualifying for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Giovinco pass
Neither side created any serious opportunities in the first hour though Albania were arguably the better side, with Jahmir Hyka a constant threat to the Azzurrini defence. In the 70th-minute, however, Italy surprisingly took the lead when Cagliari Calcio striker Aquafresca latched on to Sebastian Giovinco's pass to beat the home side's offside trap before shooting in low at the far post.

Casiraghi upbeat
Italy had other chances on the counter but Giuseppe Rossi and Giovinco both missed the target from good positions while Albania were unable to find a way through despite some late pressure. "Albania played very well but we knew they were a good side," Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi said. "We did not play a good game but earned three important points." Italy, who also defeated the Faroe Islands on Friday, top the section on goal difference from Croatia with nine points from three games.