It’s two from two for the Under-17 National Team. After beating Luxembourg 6-0 in the opening game of their qualifying campaign for the European Championships, the Azzurrini then defeated Northern Ireland 2-0. Meanwhile Turkey beat Luxembourg 4-1 and as a result both Italy and Turkey have qualified for the finals in Estonia next year with one game to spare. They will face each other on Wednesday at 19:00 CET and will compete for first place in the group.

Against Northern Ireland Italy showed once again that this group is united and full of character. The first chance for Zoratto’s team came in the tenth minute: Baldanzi whipped a ball in from a corner, Fazzini directed the ball towards the goal but the Northern Ireland keeper Byrne was alert and kept it out. But the Azzurrini didn’t have to wait too much longer until their goal came: Empoli midfielder Alessio Rossi received a perfectly-weighted ball from Magazzù and put Italy 1-0 up.

Northern Ireland had a chance in the 40th minute; Zacchi couldn’t hold McAllister’s free-kick but Price blazed the loose ball over from a good position. And just five minutes later Italy doubled their lead. Magazzù, who had already scored in the previous game against Luxembourg, got on the end of Fazzini’s pass and finished pass Byrne.

Zoratto’s Azzurrini continued to push forwards after the restart, as they looked for the third goal that would kill off the game. Rossi, Fazzini and Baldanzi all tried their luck but without success. Northern Ireland had a great chance to get back into the game in the 75th minute when Magazzú fouled McAllister in the penalty area. Admir Šehović, the Bosnian referee, had no doubts and pointed straight to the spot. Allen stepped up to take the penalty but Zacchi was the man of the moment as he saved the shot.

The game ended with an attempt from Rossi but Byrne managed to save it.

*Calendar, results and standings in Group 2

Matchday one (24 October)

Luxembourg 0-6 ITALY

Northern Ireland 0-4 Turkey

Matchday two (27 October)

ITALY 2-0 Northern Ireland

Luxembourg 1-4 Turkey

Standings: ITALY and Turkey on 6 points, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg on 0

Matchday three (30 October)

ITALY vs. Turkey (19:00 CET, John Grun - Mondorf les Bains)

Luxembourg vs. Northern Ireland (19:00 CET, Henri Dunant - Beggen)

* The top two nations from each group will progress along with the best four third-placed sides.