The women’s U17 national team of Macedonia suffered a heavy 6:0 loss against Italy in the opening game of the qualifications for the 2012 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship.

Macedonia held up well in the 1st half as it was still 0:0 but Italy then scored six goals after the break on their way to the 6:0 victory.  Raffaella Barbieri led the way for Italy U17 with a hat-trick as this match was played at the Mladost Stadium in Strumica.

The other two countries in Group 2 include Ireland and Romania.  Ireland celebrated a narrow 3:2 win over Romania in Turnovo so Italy and Ireland have the maximum three points after their wins today.

Macedonia next faces Ireland on 12 October while Italy battles Romania on the same day.

Lineup for Macedonia: Arsova, Milenkova, Veselinova, Spasova, Zarkova, Adjuleska, Gjoseva, Todorovska (72′ Peeva), Jakovska, Ristovska (77′ Davcevska), Stojkovska (55′ Kokalovska).