A wonderful Lorenzo Insigne free-kick was enough to give Italy a 1-0 victory over England in the European Under-21 Championship opener in Tel Aviv.
Stuart Pearce's men thought they had taken the lead through Craig Dawson early in the second half, only for it to be chalked off for an earlier foul by Steven Caulker on Matteo Bianchetti.
There was more controversy when Nathaniel Clyne brought down Italy substitute Manolo Gabbiaidini and the referee opted for a free-kick on the edge of the box, even though the contact continued as they fell in the area.
Devis Mangia's side were furious - not that it mattered to Insigne.
The Napoli starlet curled a wonderfully struck free-kick past Jack Butland in the England goal and into the near top corner.
Insigne, though, refused to take all the the credit for the win.
He told Rai Sport: "The victory was certainly not down to me, but I am happy to have scored a goal.
"I want to thank my teammates for putting me in a position to do well."
 | |
| Italy U-21 player Lorenzo Insigne celebrates after scoring the winner against England U-21 Photo: Getty Images |
Stuart Pearce's men thought they had taken the lead through Craig Dawson early in the second half, only for it to be chalked off for an earlier foul by Steven Caulker on Matteo Bianchetti.
There was more controversy when Nathaniel Clyne brought down Italy substitute Manolo Gabbiaidini and the referee opted for a free-kick on the edge of the box, even though the contact continued as they fell in the area.
Devis Mangia's side were furious - not that it mattered to Insigne.
The Napoli starlet curled a wonderfully struck free-kick past Jack Butland in the England goal and into the near top corner.
Insigne, though, refused to take all the the credit for the win.
He told Rai Sport: "The victory was certainly not down to me, but I am happy to have scored a goal.
"I want to thank my teammates for putting me in a position to do well."
Open an account with bet365 today and claim your 100% Deposit Bonus!
