U21 Euros: What Italy need to qualify for European Championship

Italy's Under-21 side can top their European Under-21 Championship qualifying group if they defeat Poland by two clear goals on Monday. Alphadjo Cisse's late winner kept Italy in contention, setting up a decisive final group stage showdown in Pescara. Poland currently lead Group E with nine wins from nine matches, having previously defeated Italy 2-1 in November 2025.

Only the group winner earns direct qualification to next summer's tournament. Because Poland hold a superior overall goal difference, Italy must better their head-to-head record to claim first place. If Italy fail to win by two goals, they could still advance directly as one of the two best runners-up, or otherwise enter the qualification play-offs.