A single goal from Cristian Battocchio proved enough for Italy’s Under-21s to defeat their Belgian counterparts on Monday evening.
Luigi Di Biagio’s side had fallen to a 3-1 reverse in Rieti during September’s 2015 European Championship qualifying clash between the two teams, but avenged that result yesterday.
The Azzurrini dominated proceedings in Genk and beyond Battocchio’s header from a corner could have extended the score-line out.
A single goal from Cristian Battocchio proved enough for Italy’s Under-21s to defeat their Belgian counterparts on Monday evening.
Luigi Di Biagio’s side had fallen to a 3-1 reverse in Rieti during September’s 2015 European Championship qualifying clash between the two teams, but avenged that result yesterday.
The Azzurrini dominated proceedings in Genk and beyond Battocchio’s header from a corner could have extended the score-line out.
The result moves Italy up to second in Group 9 qualifying, six points behind the Belgians but having played two games less.
Belgium U-21s 0-1 Italy U-21s
Battocchio 3 (I)
Belgium: Coosemans; Vermijl, Arslanagic (Mechele 46), de Bock, Lukaku; Malanda, Cisse (Tielemans 46); Hazard; Bruno (Vetokele 71), Batshuayi, Mpoku
Italy: Bardi; Zappacosta, Bianchetti, Antei, Biraghi; Battocchio (Improta 80), Viviani, Baselli, Fossati; Belotti (Longo 72), Rozzi (Molina 52)