Italy U17 Women qualify with dominant win over Northern Ireland
Italy's U17 Women secure passage to Round 2 qualifiers with a crushing victory in Norway. Coach Del Prete confident the group will continue improving.
Mission accomplished in Norway. Italy's Under 17 Women secure a place in Round 2 of European Championship qualifying with a statement victory over Northern Ireland. A dominant performance leaves no room for debate: 4-0 the final score, with goals from Emma Fiorani, Giorgia Rossi and Martina Battocchio, plus an own goal from Devany.
Priscilla Del Prete's squad arrived at this third match following an opening defeat to Austria and a draw with hosts Norway. Their comeback peaks with clear territorial superiority: 24 shots on goal underscore Italy's command of the match. The breakthrough comes early, Fiorani scoring in the 12th minute; Rossi's second in the 25th essentially decides the contest before the interval. The second half sees the Azzurrine manage proceedings without tension, with Battocchio's third and the own goal putting the finishing touches on the victory.
The coach looks beyond today's scoreline: «We were superior in our play not just today but in key moments throughout the group matches. With even better physical condition, the results will follow naturally from the football we're producing.» Del Prete notes she has worked with this squad before, having overseen significant progress over the course of the previous season. Round 2 is scheduled for spring: a place in the final tournament awaits, to be held in Finland from May 9-22, with qualification also serving as a pathway to the Under 17 World Championship held annually in Morocco.