Bernardo Corradi’s side made a bright start to the game and took the lead when Simone Pafundi’s high pass from the edge of the box was headed on by Aaron Ciammaglichella and into the path of Zeroli.
Pierce Charles did get a touch on his resulting strike, but it wasn’t enough to stop it from finding the top corner.
Shortly after Ciammaglichella was in action again when his effort was deflected out of play by Joel Thompson, with the away side unable to double their lead through the resulting corner.
Northern Ireland’s best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute when George Goodman’s shot was denied by the outstretched foot of stopper Renato Marin.
It was 2-0 to Italy after Camarda intercepted a slack backpass by Goodman and travelled forward before slotting past Charles.