Milan, June 22 (LaPresse) – Italy’s Under-21 national football team saw their European Championship run in Slovakia come to an end in the quarterfinals. The Azzurrini, coached by Nunziata, were defeated 3-2 in extra time by Germany at the MOL Aréna in Dunajská Streda.
Italy took the lead in the 58th minute with Koleosho, but Germany equalized ten minutes later through Woltemade. In the 80th minute, Italy went down to ten men after Gnonto was sent off with a second yellow card. In the 87th minute, Weiper put Germany ahead. Then, in the 90th minute, Zanotti was shown a red card for dissent, leaving Italy with just nine players. Despite the disadvantage, the Azzurrini equalized in the 96th minute thanks to a free-kick goal by Ambrosino.
In extra time, Germany launched a relentless attack. Italy held on until the 117th minute, when Rohl scored the decisive goal, sending Germany through to the semifinals, where they will face France.