Italy's youngsters rode their luck before emerging victorious in their final group game against Belarus.

The Italians fell behind against the run of play when Sergei Kislyak swept home on the stroke of half-time but Pierluigi Casiraghi's troops were level before the break, Robert Acquafresca slotting home a penalty after Mikhail Afanasiev handled.

Italy sealed a narrow victory when Acquafresca tapped home an easy second 15 minutes from time.

The result means Italy progress to a semi-final clash with Germany after pipping tournament hosts Sweden to top spot in Group A.

Italy looked the side most likely to break the deadlock in the opening 45 and were unfortunate not to be in front when Belarus captain Afanasiev twice cleared off the line in quick succession around the half-hour mark.

The skipper rode his luck with the first clearance, the ball appearing to strike his upper arm, but his good fortune would rebound on him later in the half.

Belarus hit the front on a rare foray into the Italian half just before the interval, Domenico Criscito delivering a teasing ball into the area which Kislyak fired home first time to put his side on course for an unlikely semi-final berth.

But Belarus' hopes were quickly dashed as the Italians levelled deep into first-half stoppage time.

Afanasiev committed the infringement, handling a loose ball in the area, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the spot-kick which Acquafresca coolly converted.

Italy continued to boss the play after the break and Acquafresca spurned a glorious chance after 49 minutes when he fired wide when clean through.

Igor Shitov kept Belarus in the match - and the tournament - with a superb clearance to deny Sebastian Giovinco when the net was gaping, but Italy remained in the ascendancy.

And their extra class told after 75 minutes when Giovinco sprung the Belarus backline with a neat through ball for Antonio Candreva who had the easiest of tasks to square for Acquafresca to complete his double.