Gagliardini helps Italy reach Euro U21 semis

KRAKOW - Italy U21s are through to the semi-finals of the European U21 Championship in Poland after securing a crucial 1-0 win against Germany in their final group game.

Roberto Gagliardini was named in Luigi Di Biagio's starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes as Federico Bernardeschi's 31st-minute strike proved enough to clinch victory.

The result - together with the Czech Republic's failure to beat Denmark - sees Italy leapfrog Germany and qualify for the last four as Group C winners.

The Azzurrini will now face Spain on Tuesday while Germany take on England in the other semi-final.