The stage is set for the conclusion of the UEFA U17 European Championships as Netherlands and Italy prepare to contest the final at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham.
England fell at the penultimate hurdle as they crashed out of the tournament following a 6-5 penalty shootout defeat to The Dutch in their semi-final in Chesterfield.
Meanwhile, the Azzurri secured their place in the showpiece final with a 2-1 victory over Belgium thanks to goals from Manu Emmanuel Gyabuaa and Edoardo Vergani.
Italy will be looking to win their first title at this level since 1982, while two-time European champions Netherlands are targeting a hat-trick on Sunday.
Route to the final
Italy began the tournament with a 2-0 triumph over Switzerland at St George’s Park, with Jean Freddi Greco and Vergani finding the back of the net.
Carmine Nunziata’s side were then beaten 2-1 by world champions England, who came from a goal down after Alessio Riccardi opened the scoring in Walsall.
However, they overcame that setback to finish top of Group A on goal difference after winning 2-0 against Israel in Burton-on-Trent as the hosts slipped up against the Swiss.
Vergani was on target again in their quarter-final against Sweden, as goalkeeper Alessandro Russo saved a first-half penalty, before seeing off Belgium in the last four.
The Dutch also topped Group D after finishing with a perfect record from their three games, kicking off the tournament by romping to a 3-0 victory over Germany at the Bescot Stadium.
Captain Daishawn Redan added to his brace in the first game with another goal in the 2-0 win against Spain, before defeating Serbia with two goals from Brian Brobbey.
A dramatic quarter-final against the Republic of Ireland saw Kees van Wonderen’s side progress 5-4 on penalties, but only after James Corcoran was controversially sent off.
They held their nerve once again in the last four clash against hosts England, with Dutch keeper Joe Koorevaar the hero after saving Folarin Balogun’s penalty.
Setting for the final
Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York Stadium will host the final on Sunday, having already held four matches during this year’s U17 European Championships.
Christophe von Wattenwyl, UEFA tournament director, said: “Rotherham has already hosted a senior women’s international match as well as international development tournaments, and we hope that hosting a final will provide a unique experience for the teams, referees, officials and of course the football fans.
“Between 7,000 and 8,000 fans normally watch their local club Rotherham United play matches, so the locals deeply care about football.
“We have been particularly impressed with work undertaken here by a professional and motivated stadium management team. We are looking forward to seeing the people of Rotherham turning out in force to watch the final on Sunday.”
Impact of hosting Euros
More than 50,000 spectators have now attended matches so far and Von Wattenwyl added: “The main goals of the U17 EURO final tournament are to provide a positive experience for all the participants, and to give young European footballers the chance to compete at the highest level.
“We have had the opportunity to welcome the most talented European players in their age-group to the home of football. English football fans have a deep knowledge of the sport and its roots.
“As tournament hosts, the Football Association, has done a great job of organising numerous promotional activities, which have attracted a lot of families and football fans to the six stadiums hosting matches in this competition.
“We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in organisation of this tournament. They have demonstrated to all the participating teams, England's hospitality, and love for football.”
Tickets are available for the final, which kicks off in Rotherham at 6.15pm on Sunday, from just £1.
