Nine man Italy crash out of Under-21 European Championship to Germany

Italy’s UEFA Under-21 European Championship journey ended with a last-gasp 3-2 quarter-final defeat to Germany in extra-time, after ill discipline had seen the team reduced to nine men, but almost hold out for a penalty shootout.

The Azzurrini struck first through an impressive Luca Koleosho solo goal, but Germany hit back swiftly via Nick Woltemade. Nelson Weiper then edged Germany ahead just before full time, with Italy two players down after red cards for Wilfried Gnonto and Mattia Zanotti. An incredible free-kick from Giuseppe Ambrosino saw them equalise in the sixth minute of stoppage time to keep their hopes of progression alive.

Despite heroic defensive efforts and several key saves by Italian goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches, though, Merlin Rohl conjured a winner in the 117th minute to seal victory for Germany and progression to face France in the semi‑finals.