Ukraine U19svs.Italy U19s

While Ukraine require maximum points to be sure of going through, the reigning champions have already booked their place in next week's semi-finals.

Match preview

Yet to either score or concede at this summer's Under-19 Euros, Ukraine played out a second consecutive goalless draw on Thursday, when they could not find a way past Norway at Seaview Stadium.

Having already shared the points with tournament hosts Northern Ireland in their opener, Dmytro Mikhailenko's side were doubly keen to win in Belfast; however, Norway created the best chances of the first half - including a shot against the post - and the second proved a more even affair.

Taras Mykhavko's cross-shot nearly caught out the Norwegian goalkeeper, before Dmytro Bogdanov was denied at close range, but it ended 0-0 once again.

After topping their qualifying group without shipping a single goal, Ukraine have certainly proved their defensive discipline, but in order to replicate the squad crowned champions on home soil 15 years ago, they may now need to find their shooting boots.

Heading into Sunday night's Group A finale, Mikhailenko's young charges sit one point clear of Northern Ireland and Norway, so victory would guarantee a place in the semis and at next year's Under-20 World Cup.

Another draw might well prove enough, but even avoiding defeat against the defending champions may be easier said than done.

Italy's comprehensive win over Northern Ireland on Thursday kept them on track to retain the title they won last year, as a 3-0 success in Larne continued their impressive form throughout 2024.

Three days after beating Norway 2-1, the Azzurrini went ahead when Kevin Zeroli volleyed home in the 15th minute, and a prodigious 16-year-old striker secured victory with two further goals either side of the break.

AC Milan's Francesco Camarda - who showed flashes of promise when called into the Rossoneri's first-team squad last season - struck twice to kill the game and confirm his nation's place in the knockout phase.

En route to the finals, Italy cruised through their qualifying group with maximum points, and having now scored 18 times across their last six matches, Bernardo Corradi's side are firmly among the favourites to lift the trophy.

Ukraine Under-19s European Under-19s Championship form:

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D

Italy Under-19s European Under-19s Championship form:

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W

Italy Under-19s form (all competitions):

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D

W

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Team News

Ukraine brought main marksman Matviy Ponomarenko back into their starting XI in midweek, after he missed the opening game through injury - the Dynamo Kyiv striker scored six goals in qualifying.

He should therefore hold off competition from Dmytro Bogdanov and Watford's Kristian Shevchenko - son of national team legend and current Ukraine FA president Andriy Shevchenko - to lead the line up front.

Meanwhile, qualifying with a game to spare could see Italy boss Bernardo Corradi make some changes on Sunday evening.

Milan duo Kevin Zeroli and Francesco Camarda will both be keen to continue, though, as they are contending for the golden boot with two goals from as many games so far.

Fellow forward Simone Pafundi was the Azzurrini's top scorer in qualifying and laid on two assists against Norway, but Bologna's Tommaso Ebone and Juventus prospect Lorenzo Anghele are in the mix should Corradi opt for fresh legs in the final third.

Ukraine Under-19s possible starting lineup:

Krapyvstov; Gusev, Melnychenko, Mykhavko, Oharkov; Gadzhyiev, Vashchenko, Krevsun; Synchuk, Ponomarenko, Matkevych

Italy Under-19s possible starting lineup:

Marin; Magni, C. Corradi, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Mannini, Lipani, Ciammaglichella; Zeroli; Ebone, Camarda

We say: Ukraine Under-19s 1-1 Italy Under-19s

Ukraine should finally get off the mark with a goal, as impressive Italy may be distracted by their upcoming semi-final.

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