A penalty 10 minutes from time from substitute Gaetano D'Agostino gave Italy a narrow win over Wales.

Jamie Tolley smashed a cracking volley to put Wales ahead, and they held that until almost the hour when Guiseppe Sculli equalised.

Wales have not won in five years and 25 games at this level while Italy's record is just four defeats in their last 30 matches, but given that record the home side produced a performance to be proud of.

The Italians have now won all three of their opening group matches, but the manner of their victory and gamesmanship left a bad taste in the mouth.

Wales stunned Italy with a marvellous goal on four minutes.

Adam Birchall pulled back into the path of Tolley, who lashed a rising drive into the roof of the net from 18 yards.

Italy's goal on 52 minutes came from a sloppy error when Matthew Williams missed completely as he tried to hook a corner clear, and Sculli lashed the loose ball home from the edge of the box.

Italy's pressure paid off when Michael Price pulled down Sculli and substitute Gaetano D`Agostino scored from the spot.

Wales U-21: Brown, Moss, Price, Pejic, Day, Mumford, Valentine, Tolley, Birchall, Matty Williams, Fowler.
Subs: Rees, Collins, Stock, Mark Jones, Gall, Gareth Williams, Whitfield.

Italy Under-21: Amelia, Bonera, Palzaretti, Zaccado, Cardinale, Gatti, Gasbarroni, Brighi, Borriello, Donati, Sculli.
Subs: Benussi, Lanzaro, Pasquale, Dalla Bona, Pinzi, Caraccioli, D'Agostino.

Referee: Ben Haverkort (Holland).