[D-Kin]

U-21: Pozzi spares Azzurrini blushes Wednesday 21 November, 2007

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The Azzurrini are within sight of Euro 2009 qualification as Pierluigi Casiraghi’s 10-man side struggled to a 1-0 win over the Faroe Islands.

Italy’s youngsters were looking to follow up their 5-0 mauling of Azerbaijan last Friday, but they faced a sterner test in freezing conditions in Torshavn against a side they only just overcame 2-1 at home.

Casiraghi’s men dominated early proceedings as Faroe ‘keeper Gunnar Nielsen denied Luca Cigarini after six minutes and Pisa hitman Alessio Cerci fired into the side-netting five minutes later.

Cerci’s shot was parried into the path of Juventus defender Domenico Criscito, but he ballooned his effort over the bar. The rain continued to fall and the Italians continued to miss chances as Cerci headed against the bar from close range.

As half-time loomed, Brescia defender Fabiano Santacroce lashed out in a 50-50 and was surprisingly shown a straight red card.

Despite their numerical handicap, the Azzurrini continued to pile on the pressure and Cerci’s shot was brilliantly saved before the interval.

The introduction of Empoli’s Nicola Pozzi was the turning point and finally Casiraghi’s men got their deserved breakthrough after 80 minutes when Pozzi rose to head home Paolo De Ceglie’s cross.

The deflated Faroes had fought hard for a stalemate and looked dispirited as the game fizzled out.

Italy’s Under-21’s have a handsome seven-point lead at the top of Group 1 and have now amassed 19 points from seven games.

Faroe Islands 0-1 Italy
Scorers: Pozzi 80
Sent Off: Santacroce 41
Italy U-21: Consigli; Motta, Santacroce, Criscito, De Ceglie; Morosini, Cigarini, Paonessa (Bolzoni 46); Giovinco, Cerci (Marzoratti 57), Osvaldo (Pozzi 67)
Ref: Vik (Svk)

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