Destro sends Italy through to finals

FC Internazionale Milano forward Mattia Destro scored two and set up another as Italy secured their place at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with a game to spare after a topsy-turvy 3-2 victory over Northern Ireland.

The Azzurrini dispatched the Czech Republic in their elite round Group 5 opener despite being down to ten men, but the Irish proved a tougher proposition in Schelkovo. Indeed, Steve Beaglehole's side were briefly in front when Oliver Norwood converted a penalty just after the half-hour, following a foul on William Grigg, before Destro took centre stage.

The Inter youngster rifled in a free-kick (40) then swiftly turned provider, charging down the right on the break and teeing up Luca Tremolada to make it 2-1. Northern Ireland recovered from two goals down to draw with Russia on Friday and again they clawed their way back, captain Connor McLaughlin finding the net just before the hour after a Shane Ferguson free-kick.

Yet Destro was not done, and his eighth goal in qualifying midway through the second period established an unassailable lead atop Group 5 for Italy. They join Spain, Portugal and hosts France in this summer's finals.