Italy keep run going at Hungary's expense

Italy continued their flawless march towards the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with a 2-0 win over Hungary in Casarano.

Manolo Gabbiadini gave Ciro Ferrara's hosts the lead in the 20th minute and substitute Alberto Paloschi sealed their fifth win in five Group 7 qualifying matches 11 minutes from time.

Italy went in front when Giulio Donati's searching ball from deep was chested down by Mattia Destro, who put Gabbiadini through on goal, and the Atalanta BC striker kept his composure to slot the ball past Péter Gulácsi.

Hungary's approach consisted of keeping as many men behind the ball as possible and searching for Markó Futács with long balls. Although the tall striker was adept in winning the aerial battle, he suffered from a distinct lack of support.

There was more vivacity and creativity in Hungary's game in the second half, but the best chances still fell at the other end. In the 57th minute, Destro shot over with only the goalkeeper to beat. Alessandro Florenzi also cleared the crossbar from a promising position before providing the assist for Paloschi, on the field for less than a minute, to score with his first touch from point-blank range.