Italy top group with victory to reach U19 EURO Elite Round

Italy have made it through to the Elite Round of the European Under-19 Championship thanks to their 1-0 victory over Poland.

They could even have afforded a draw to go through as one of the top two in their qualifying round group, but secured their spot in style in Catania thanks to a goal from Javison Idele.

It was quite an achievement, as Poland needed only a point to keep first place after winning their first two games.

Italy had crushed Moldova 8-0 and were held to a 0-0 by Bosnia after rattling the woodwork twice and having 23 attempts on goal.

Atalanta talent Idele had played as a full-back against Bosnia, but was moved into a more advanced role and made his mark with the decisive goal on Alessio Cacciamani’s cross.

Mattia Liberali had also thumped the frame of the goal, with Emanuele Sala firing the rebound over.

The Azzurrini and coach Alberto Bollini will discover their opponents in the draw on December 10, then the winners of that stage in spring 2026 will be whittled down to seven nations to join hosts Wales in the finals from June 28 to July 11.

The Nazionale won the Under-19 Euros in 2023.

Meanwhile, Louis Buffon scored his second hat-trick of the last few days for Czechia in their 4-0 win over Northern Ireland.