Football
2016 UEFA Under 19 Championship, Semi-finals
ENG 
1
FT
 ITA
2
ESPN staff 8y

Italy edge past England to reach European Under-19 final

Italy are through to the final of the European Under-19 Championship after beating England 2-1 in Mannheim, Germany.

The Italians took the lead on 27 minutes after Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori tripped Andrea Favilli of Livorno inside the area, and Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco made no mistake from the penalty spot.

England pressed for an equaliser but Italy continued to look dangerous on the break, and they doubled their advantage on the hour after West Ham's Reece Oxford gave away a free kick just outside the box. Dimarco stepped up again to curl a superb effort beyond the outstretched arms of Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Empoli midfielder Alberto Picchi scored a comical own goal five minutes from time to give England hope. A corner was delivered from the right and an attempted clearance hit the shoulder of Picchi and rebounded into the net.

Despite further England pressure they could not force extra time, and Italy -- who have yet to score from open play in the tournament -- will now face the winners of the second semi between Portugal and France on Sunday.

England, won had topped their group with a 100 percent record, qualified for next year's Under-20 World Cup by reaching the semifinals.

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