Italy have set up a semi-final date with Germany as two goals from Robert Aquafresca overcame a spirited Belarus side, who had earlier taken a shock lead.
Sergei Kisylak swivelled to hit a half-volley into the bottom corner sending the Belarus bench into a sprawling mass of bodies in the 45th minute, but a penalty from Robert Aquafresca a minute later and then a second-half tap-in from the Cagliari striker sent the Italians through.
There was a disappointing turn-out at the Olympia stadium in Helsingborgs, with the 12,500 capacity stadium only around a tenth full.
It was a bright start by Italy who took control of the game and looked to use the pace of Ignazio Abate on the right-wing at every opportunity. Sebastian Giovinco (pictured) was also finding a lot of space as he dropped deep to link up with the midfield.
Abate had replaced the suspended Mario Balotelli, and his contribution here shows that Italy have strength in depth in wide areas.
Italy had to make a change fifteen minutes in, as Paolo De Ceglie limped off with a knee injury after going in for a crunching challenge, Daniele Dessena came on in his place.
The first real opportinity of the match came out of nowhere. Sergei Krivets, who had scored a long-range effort against Sweden almost replicated the feat. He was given space 25 yards out and hit a ferocious dipping shot which flew inches over the bar.
It was then Italy's turn to try their luck from range. Marchisio had time to collect and settle himself before dispatching a low drive which narrowly missed the left-hand post.
Half an hour into the match Italy had two attempts cleared off the line. First, Abate's, and then from the resulting corner, Bocchetti's headers were cleared from under the goalposts. There were claims that the first clearance was made using an arm but the referee waved away the appeals.
On the stroke of half-time Belarus took a shock lead. Mikhail Afanasiev whipped a dangerous low cross into the box and Kislyak swivelled hitting the ball on the half-volley across Andrea Consigli and into the bottom corner. Kislyak ran to the bench to be mobbed by the numerous Bealrus players and coaching staff.
Italy responded immediately though. Afanasiev, maybe still reeling from his assist, handled a cross in the penalty area and the referee had no doubts and pointed to the spot.
With the last kick of the first half, Aquafresca stepped-up and coolly slotted the ball past Chesnovski.
Soon after the restart, Aquafreca could have had his second. The Italian marksman found space in the penalty box but sliced his effort after being put under pressure.
Italy then came even coser in the 57th minute as Bochetti rose above the defence to head a Giovinco corner against the bar, it was scrambled clear and Cigarini's follow-up shot was blocked.
Italy were not having it all their own way however, as Leonid Kovel lined up a free-kick from 25 yards out, and Consigli would have been relieved to see the swerving shot drift narowly over.
Giovinco nearly scored the goal that he had deserved on 65 minutes, when he raced onto a Antonio Candreva through-ball. The little Juventus man tried to lift it over the onrushing goalkeeper, but Chesnovski managed to get a hand to it. The ball bounced towards goal but it was hastily knocked behind by Bordachov.
Italy did not hae to wait long for the second however, as eight minutes later another through-ball by Candreva put Giovinco one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he drew Chesnovski towards him and unselfishly squared the ball to Aquafresca who eagerly tapped it into the empty net.
Italy were looking to make the game safe and Giovinco nearly made it three fifteen minutes from time. He was given acres of space on the edge of the box and dispatched a dipping effort onto the bar.
Italy were celebrating soon afterwards though as the final whistle went, and they will remain in Helsingborg for their semi-final with Germany on Friday.
Photo Credit: Prettyfriendship
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