Italian U21s triumph at UEFA European Under-21 Championship

Italy triumph at UEFA European Under-21 Championship

Azzurrini defeat France 3-1 in the final

The Italy national under-21 football team have been crowned champions of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship after defeating France 3-1 in the final on Sunday.

Goals from Patrick Cutrone, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa secured the victory for the Azzurrini, who were appearing in their first final since 2000.

France took the lead in the 12th minute through Moussa Dembele, but Italy responded with three goals in the second half to claim their fifth European Under-21 title.

Carmine Nunziata was named Player of the Tournament after a string of impressive performances throughout the competition.

Italy's victory is their first at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship since 2004 and their fifth overall.

They are now the most successful nation in the history of the competition, ahead of Spain and England, who have four titles each.