Home wins for Italy and Bosnia in Euro 2020 qualifying openers
UEFA EURO 2020 QUALIFYING - MATCHDAY 1
| Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-Mar-19 | Bosnia | 2 - 1 | Armenia |
| 23-Mar-19 | Italy | 2 - 0 | Finland |
Italy defeated Finland 2:0 in their Group J opener while Bosnia took down Armenia with a narrow 2:1 scoreline.
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After Greece comfortably defeated Liechtenstein 0:2 in Vaduz, Italy and Bosnia followed suit with wins over Finland and Armenia respectively. As expected, Greece, Italy, and Bosnia lead the way in Group J with three points while Liechtenstein, Finland, and Armenia sit without a point from their opening matches.
BOSNIA 2:1 ARMENIA
Bosnia had an easier night than the 2:1 scoreline reflects as they began their qualifying campaign on the right foot by defeating Armenia. After dominating possession early on, Krunic found the opening goal for the hosts in the 33rd minute by brilliantly heading Pjanic’s corner into the back of the net. In the final 20 minutes, Armenia pressed for an equalizer but it was Bosnia who doubled their lead in the 80th minute through Milosevic, who two minutes later was denied from close range by the woodwork. A late penalty saw Armenia pull one goal back, but it was too little too late as Bosnia marched on to victory.
The result sees Bosnia move up to three points along with Italy and Greece while Armenia will have to wait for their first points at home to Finland on matchday two. Bosnia will host Greece up next in what will be an early test for both nations in Group J.
ITALY 2:0 FINLAND
Young blood helped Italy start their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a win as they dispatched Finland 2:0. Twenty-two-year-old Barella wasted no time to put Italy in front when his deflected effort found the back of the net in the 7th minute, notching his first goal on the international stage. Italy controlled proceedings in the first half and took their lead into halftime. It was more of the same in the second half, but Finland had two great chances to equalize in the 65th and 67 minutes, but Pukki and Lod were unable to convert. Italy punished Finland for their missed opportunities when Kean was played in on goal and made no mistake to beat Hradecky and double Italy’s lead. The 19-year old Juventus man made history with his goal, becoming the youngest player to ever score for the Azzurri. The 2:0 scoreline remained through the final whistle.
Italy sit on three points with Bosnia and Greece while Finland will need to pick up points in Armenia on matchday two if they are to remain close to the rest of the pack. Italy will host minnows Liechtenstein.
GROUP J STANDINGS
Greece 3 (2:0)
Italy 3 (2:0)
Bosnia 3 (2:1)
Armenia 0 (1:2)
Finland 0 (0:2)
Liechtenstein 0 (0:2)
