Italy scored an 85th minute winner last night to book their place in next summer's Euro 2012 finals in Poland/Ukraine. The goal against Slovenia not only spared the blushes of the Azzurri on the night but also put them beyond the reach of Serbia despite the latter easing to a 3-1 victory over the Faeroe Islands. Elsewhere Estonia all but extinguished Northern Ireland's slim hopes of reaching the play-offs with a 4-1 win in Talinn.
Serbia sit in second place one and three points clear of Estonia and Slovenia repectively and with a game in hand on both. Serbia just need to beat the Italians in Belgrade on October 7th to secure the runners up place where even a defeat would be immaterial if they then go on to beat Slovenia in Maribor four days later. Estonia need to win their final game away to Northern Ireland and then hope that Serbia pick up no more than two points from their final two matches. The Estonians may yet live to regret their embarrassing 2-0 defeat in Thorshavn earlier in the year.
Remaining Fixtures:
October 7th
Northern Ireland v Estonia
Serbia v Italy
October 11th
Italy v Northern Ireland
Slovenia v Serbia
Source: DSG
