Italy U21 beat Slovenia U21 1-0 in their Euro U21 2017 Championship qualifier on Thursday night at the Bonfika Stadion, meaning they have won both games so far in their qualifying campaign.
Chances popped up here, there and everywhere throughout the first half and most of the second with Gaetano Monachello grabbing Italy’s much-wanted first goal to snatch all three points before getting his second of the night, followed by captain Marco Benassi scoring Italy’s third.
The Slovenians nearly took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when Luka Zahovic’s effort from a few yards out dragged just wide of the post.
Alberto Cerri then had a crack on target and came very close to grabbing himself a goal with a header that was only just tipped over by Slovenian goalkeeper Grega Sorcan.
By far the best chance of the match so far came 65 minutes in when the vision of Sorcan was restricted as a shot came in from but he managed to scramble a save, and the follow up could not be converted by Gaetano Monachello.
Monachello redeemed himself a few minutes later, though, when he gave the Italians the lead after a well-struck half-volley bounced awkwardly in front of the Slovenian keeper and then went past him into the back of the net.
He was after another and doubled Italy’s lead 10 minutes from time with a well-placed strike from outside the box which nestled into the bottom corner.
Di Biagio’s side couldn’t stop scoring in the final moments of the game and Marco Benassi was next to get his name on the score sheet when he passed the ball past Sorcan late on.
The victory takes Italy to fourth place in Group 2 equal on points with everyone above, while Slovenia are second.
