Italy U21 hold on, Armenia's Cisse makes decisive comeback

In the match played in Yerevan, Italy U21 secured a 1-0 victory over Armenia thanks to the goal by Cisse in injury time, breaking an otherwise goalless game.

Context and stakes

The result came in the penultimate match of Group E of the European qualifiers, leaving the Azzurrini on 24 points, three behind Poland. The final game, scheduled for next Monday in Pescara, will decide the direct qualification to the 2027 tournament, which will be held in Albania and Serbia.

Italian dominance and missed chances

Despite expectations of a rout, Italy hit the woodwork twice, missed a penalty and squandered several other chances. Armenian goalkeeper Davtyan made more than three decisive saves, keeping the score at 0‑0 until the end of regular time.

In the first half, Armenia defended cautiously, but had two opportunities, one for Fini and one for Ndour, without managing to get past the Italian defence. At the end of the first half the score remained at zero.

The decisive goal and outlook

In the second half Baldini introduced Cisse, Lulli and Liberali in place of Lipani, Fini and Favasuli. Cisse, a young striker from Milan, hit the post after ten minutes, but it was the shot by Cherubini saved by the goalkeeper that allowed Cisse to slot the ball in the 95th minute.

The goal sealed the match, giving Italy the three points needed to keep qualification hopes alive. Coach Silvio Baldini said: "Not winning would have been an injustice… now we face Poland, we have the direct clash".