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U-21: Palladino conquers Portugal Tuesday 28 February, 2006
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A last-minute strike from Raffaele Palladino has given the Azzurrini a prestigious 1-0 away victory in Portugal.
The international friendly was a warm-up for the European Under-21 Championships, especially as they were playing the host nation for this summer’s tournament.
Chievo defender Giuseppe Scurto and Ascoli attacking midfielder Pasquale Foggia were the only new faces tested out by Coach Claudio Gentile and both came on as second half substitutes.
The winner came in the final minute, as Palladino ran on to a through ball and stroked home the finish with his left foot.
It had been an uneventful first half with both teams failing to make midfield possession count, though Italy had the best chances with Fiorentina’s Giampaolo Pazzini setting up Palladino, only for the Juventus-owned forward to turn just over the bar.
Hugo Almeida was off target for the home side and Bruno Amaro was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide off teammate Almeida before Palladino’s last-gasp winner.
The European Under-21 Championships will be held in Portugal from May 25 to June 6.
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Big victory for us, I see more positives for us going into the Euro.
Gentile is going places in the near future.