In the third round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2026 group stage, the Ukraine U19 national team faced Italy.
Having already secured victories over Croatia (3:1) and Serbia (2:1) in the opening two matches, the Blue and Yellows had not only booked their place in the tournament semi-finals but also qualified for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
A win or a draw against Italy, who were battling Croatia for the second semi-final spot, would ensure Ukraine finished top of the group.
Both Dynamo Kyiv players called up to the national team, Pavlo Liusin and Kostiantyn Hubenko, were included in the starting lineup.
Ukraine took the lead in the 30th minute when Olychenko found the top corner after an assist from Liusin.
Both Dynamo players played the opening half before being substituted at the break, while the Blue and Yellows held on to their 1:0 lead to secure first place in the group.
Italy finished third in the group and will play in the fifth-place match. The winner of that game will later compete in the intercontinental play-off for the final place at the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
In the EURO 2026 semi-finals, Ukraine will face Germany, while Croatia will take on Spain.
The semi-finals and the fifth-place match will be played on 8 July, with the final scheduled for 11 July.
Photo: Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF).
