Italy 5-1 Armenia U21: Camarda top striker at the double

Italy continued their strong Under-21 qualifying campaign with a 5-1 victory over Armenia, as Francesco Camarda bagged a brace, but Cher Ndour missed a penalty.

The Azzurrini were joint top of their group with Poland after winning all three games under coach Silvio Baldini, including last week’s 4-0 victory over Sweden.

Luca Marianucci was almost made to pay for a moment of distraction when Arayik Eloyan pounced in the final third, but the Armenian striker horribly scuffed his finish when clear on goal.

Italy failed to make their domination count, as Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour saw his header smack against the upright on 22 minutes with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Moments later, Ndour was brought down by Artem Bandikian for a penalty, but the same player saw his spot-kick parried by Gor Matinyan.

Ndour had another headed attempt, while Luca Lipani’s effort was charged down before Italy finally broke through.

Substitute Matteo Dagasso sprung the offside trap on a truly inspired Niccolò Pisilli through ball and kept his cool to beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.