[U21] Italy reach Euro play-offs

Italy took top spot in Group 3 and a place in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs with a narrow win against nearest rivals Wales.

Mattia Mustacchio's strike handed the three points to Pierluigi Casiraghi's side, who had to secure a 1-0 scoreline or a win by a two-goal margin in Pescara to go into Friday's draw.

The only goal of the game came after just 14 minutes, with a fine cross from Luca Marrone picking out winger Mustacchio to score his first international goal at this level via a finish into the far corner.

It was a relief for coach Casiraghi, whose side also held their nerve to win another crucial qualifier in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the same margin on Friday.

As for Wales, who finish behind the Azzurrini on the head-to-head record, they have not qualified for the play-offs as one of the four best runners-up.

Romania, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Ukraine, Greece and Scotland clinched the other places in the play-off draw as group winners with Spain, England, Belarus and Iceland completing the line-up as best runners-up.

The play-offs will take place between 9 and 13 October, with the seven winners joining hosts Denmark in the final tournament next June.

Group 3 Results
Saturday 4 September
Hungary 0-1 Wales
Tuesday 7 September
Hungary 0-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Italy 1-0 Wales

Group 3 Standings
[1] ITA - PLD: 08 - PTS: 16
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[2] WAL - PLD: 08 - PTS: 16
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[3] HUN - PLD: 08 - PTS: 13
[4] BOS - PLD: 08 - PTS: 08
[5] LUX - PLD: 08 - PTS: 04

Play-offs
Group winners: Romania (Group 1), Switzerland (Group 2), Italy (Group 3), Netherlands (Group 4), Czech Republic (Group 5), Sweden (Group 6), Croatia (Group 7), Ukraine (Group 8), Greece (Group 9), Scotland (Group 10).
Four best runners-up: Spain (Group 4), England (Group 9), Belarus (Group 10), Iceland (Group 5).

Source: UEFA