Italy left it rather late but managed to defeat Andorra by a score of 1-0 to stretch their lead at the top of Group 2 of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying phase.
Alberto Cerri scored his first goal for the Azzurrini in the 79th minute, undoing the heroics of Andorra keeper Victor Silverio. Gianluigi Donnarumma comfortably earned his first clean sheet for the U21 side.
Italy struggled to create through open play in the first half but came close on two corners, Gaetano Monachello blasting his volley over the bar before Rolando Mandragora missing an open header from close range.
In the 25th minute Valerio Rosseti did well to make some space just outside the penalty box to unleash a fierce strike that was beaten away by 18-year-old goalkeeper Silverio.
Domenico Berardi was Italy’s best creative option in the first half and played several dangerous balls into the box including one for an onrushing Adam Masina who couldn’t direct his volley on target.
Five minutes into the second half, another dangerous Berardi cross found the head of Rosetti but the Juventus-owned starlet could only direct his effort onto the far post.
Minutes later, a Mandragora left-foot scorcher was tipped away by Silverio.
In the 66th minute a delightful Marco Benassi lobbed through ball found Berardi but Silverio came out well to deny the Italians once again.
Italy were now pouring on the pressure and Berardi then forced Silverio into another save, with Benassi failing to convert the rebound.
In the 79th minute it was Luca Garritano’s turn to be denied by Silverio.
From the resulting corner, however, the Andorran keeper proved that he is indeed only human, making a hash of Luca Mazzitelli’s cross, allowing substitute Cerri to convert from close range and secure Italy’s sixth win of the qualifying round.
The victory moves Italy four points clear of Slovenia atop Group 2 after seven rounds of play while Andorra continue to prop up the group.
