Belarus 1 – Italy 2

ITALY cemented their place a group A winners after coming from behind against a spirited Belarus side at Olympia in Helsingborg.

But the pre-tournament favourites had to come from after Sergei Kilyak had given Belarus a surprise lead early on. The Dinamo Minsk midfielder swept in Igor Shitov’s cross for his second goal of the competition.

Acquafresca - on target twice to send his side into the semi-finals.

But the Belarus joy was short-lived after Mikael Afanasiev handled Ignazio Abate’s cross inside the area in first half stoppage time. Robert Acquafresca stepped up to expertly convert the resulting spot kick.

Italy dominated possession throughout nearly took the lead just moments after the break when Genoa defender Salvatore Bocchetti saw his header cannon back off crossbar.

Though the Italians did find the goal they need to top the group midway through the half. After clever work from Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco, Antonio Candreva squared the ball to an unmarked Acquafresca who tapped in to double his and Italy’s tally for the night.

Italy could now breathe a little more easy and had it not been for the crossbar, they would have extended their lead. Giovinco saw his effort hit the frame of Pavel Chesnovski’s goal, but Italy had already done enough.

Pierluigi Casiraghi’s side can now prepare to face group B runners-up Germany in the semi-final, on a ground they have already played all three of their groups games.

Man of the match – Robert Acquafresca - Clinical finishing ensured his side of a place in the final four of the competition.

Goals – Kislyak 45, Acquafresca 45+3 (P), 75

Attendance – 3,014