By Mustapha Ben in Cairo
Matti Mustacchio is Italy’s hero as his two goals helped lift them to the quarter finals, after a 3-1 walloping of Spain, the previous group leaders at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium Monday.
It was a dramatic victory for the Junior Azzuris even as they turn the heat on the ten-man Spain team. Although, Spain should be commended for matching their opponents and having more of the ball possession after Alberto Botio had been given red card for a rash first-half lunge.
To complement Mustacchio’s efforts, Andrea Mazzarani sprightly performance was very useful as he scored one and later set up another, while Vincenzo Fiorillo saved a late penalty as Gli Azzurrini survived a spirited onslaught from their European rivals.
Italians, who are past masters of the knockout stage made their intention known from the kickoff, when a superb flowing move ended with Mazzarani teeing up Fabio Sciacca for a low shot that skidded into the side-netting.
Spain were already struggling to gain a foothold in the game when Botio was given his marching orders for an ugly tackle on Mattia Mustacchio, although they might have taken the lead six minutes into the second half when Aaron Niguez smashed a right-foot shot just over from 20 yards.
Even Aaron’s 84th minute penalty, which should have leveled them up with Italy was saved by the Italian goalkeeper, further knocking off their hope of a revival. He had earlier scored a penalty to bring the scores to 2-1. Italy will meet the winners between Hungary and Czech Republic in the quarter-finals.