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Sean McCormick

Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto scores in front of admiring eyes to keep Italy's Euro hopes alive

Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto bagged a vital goal on Sunday as Italy under-21s beat Switzerland 3-2 in the European Championships.

Following defeat to France in their opening match, the Azzurri knew it was a must-win game at the Cluj Arena and they raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half.

Gnonto bagged their second goal, bundling the ball home at the second attempt after his initial header from Raoul Bellanova's cross.

The win lifted Italy above Switzerland into second place and they now face Norway under-21s in their final group game knowing if they match Switzerland's result they will seal a place in the quarter-finals.

READ MORE: Leeds United news as Fulham make loan offer for Whites star Brenden Aaronson

Reflecting on the game, Gnonto said it was special to face a number of his former FC Zurich team-mates who were playing for Switzerland.

"I could have scored three goals, but it’s important we won," he told UEFA.com.

"We were lucky as well, it was a game full of emotions. In the end all was good, it was special for me to play against some former team-mates. It was a vital game and after suffering in the end we managed to win."

Gnonto is a player Leeds will be desperate to keep this summer but interest from a number of English and Italian clubs is intensifying.

Juventus, Fiorentina and Sassuolo are among the Italian clubs credited with an interest in the 19-year-old forward, while scouts from a number of Premier League clubs are said to be in Romania following his performances in this summer's European Championships.

Arsenal, Man City, Everton, Crystal Palace are among the clubs that have been credited with an interest in Gnonto but any decision over his future at Leeds will be made following the takeover from the 49ers group and the appointment of a new manager.

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