[U19] Italy learn Elite round fate

The draw for the Elite Round of the 2009-10 UEFA European Under-19 Championships has been made in Switzerland today.

Italy's Under-19s are aiming to qualify for the final tournament in France next summer, but they will have to progress through the final qualifying stage to reach that goal.

At the draw in Nyon, Italy were placed in Elite Round Group 5 together with Czech Republic, Northern Ireland and mini-tournament hosts Russia, with matches being held between 21-26 May 2010.

The winners of the seven Elite Round sections will join hosts France in next summer's final tournament, which will also be used to determine Europe's representatives at the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Italy qualified for the Elite Round of the competition after topping their Qualifying Round group last month, with Massimo Piscedda's youngsters beating Albania, San Marino and the Republic of Ireland in Group 1.


2009-10 UEFA EUROPEAN UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS
> Qualifying Round Group 1 (in San Marino)
13 to 18 November 2009.
Italy 5-0 Albania, Republic of Ireland 5-0 San Marino, Republic of Ireland 2-0 Albania, San Marino 0-4 Italy, Italy 2-0 Republic of Ireland, Albania 4-1 San Marino.

> Elite Round Group 5 (in Russia)
21 to 26 May 2010.
Italy, Russia, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland.

> Final Tournament (in France)

> FIFA Under-19 World Cup 2011 (in Colombia)

Source: UEFA / FIGC