Pierluigi Casiraghi's side secured their place in the play-offs by holding off Croatia on Tuesday to win qualification from Group 1 and are now hoping to build on the excellent record in the tournament.The Azzurrini must negotiate past Israel in a two-legged tie next month to have the chance to add a sixth European crown.
The first leg will take place in Ancona, Italy on 12 October with the crucial return leg in Tel Aviv the following week.
Meanwhile, Germany face France in a heavyweight contest, England take on Wales in an all-British battle and Spain, who had a 100% record in qualifying, play a Switzerland side who knocked out the double-reigning champions the Netherlands.
Elsewhere there will be at least one newcomer in Sweden next summer as Austria take on Finland with both nations bidding to reach the final tournament for the first time. Serbia, runners-up last year, take on Denmark, while Turkey meet Belarus.
The seven two-legged ties will be played on a home-and-away basis on 11/12 and 14/15 October with match venues, dates and kick-off times to be confirmed by next week.
The seven winners will join hosts Sweden in the draw for the final tournament on Wednesday 3 December in Gothenburg. The final tournament takes place from 15 to 29 June 2009.
2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Play-off First leg: Friday 10 October
Austria v Finland (Pasching, 1700)
Germany v France (Magdeburg, 1800)
Turkey v Belarus (Antalya, 1730)
Wales v England (Cardiff, 1945)
Play-off First leg: Saturday 11 October
Denmark v Serbia (Aalborg, 1530)
Italy v Israel (Ancona, 1500)
Switzerland v Spain (Aarau, 1900)
Play-off Second leg: Tuesday 14 October
Belarus v Turkey (Grodno, 1700)
England v Wales (Birmingham, 1945)
Finland v Austria (Turku, 1630)
Spain v Switzerland (Murcia, 2030)
Play-off Second leg: Wednesday 15 October
France v Germany (Metz, 1800)
Israel v Italy (Tel Aviv, 1800)
Serbia v Denmark (Belgrade, 1700)
Source: C4 Football Italia
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