Barillà improves Italy's fortunes

Antonino Barillà scored twice as Italy secured a comfortable victory over Luxembourg to claw back some ground on pacesetters Wales to remain in contention in Group 3 of qualifying for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Crunch fixtures to come
The five-time winners began the day five points adrift of Hungary, who they lost to on Friday, and a daunting nine behind leaders Wales. Those deficits have now been reduced by three and, with games against both sides to come, Pierluigi Casiraghi's team are by no means out of the reckoning. They did not break the deadlock in Luxembourg until the 37th minute when Barillà was left with a simple finish after good work from Lorenzo De Silvestri.

Marilungo header
Reggina Calcio midfielder Barillà turned into an unguarded net to double his personal tally on 77 minutes, by which time the Azzurrini had already scored a second courtesy of substitute Roberto Soriano, who converted the rebound after the impressive Ezequiel Matias Schelotto had been denied. Barilla turned provider with seven minutes remaining, sending in the corner from which Guido Marilungo, who had only come off the bench five minutes previously, met with his head for Italy's fourth. The result leaves Luxembourg marooned on four points, while Italy are buoyed ahead of the visit of Hungary in March.