Italian U21 National Team

[Rosa]

Claudio Gentile was satisfied with the new Azzurrini debut, even though some errors almost proved very costly indeed.


“There are some things that need working on, especially in defence,” warned the Coach after their 2-0 win over Norway, “but for a debut it’ll do fine.”


Italy embarked on the defence of their European Under-21 Championship title on Friday evening with their first qualifier for the 2006 tournament.


Many of the players are new to this level and at times – particularly Rolando Bianchi’s petulant red card – this inexperience was clear for all to see.


“In the second half we did everything to shoot ourselves in the foot,” mused Gentile. “Certain mistakes should not be committed at this level.”


“In any case, we have time to get to know each other better and perfect certain team moves, but I must say that this squad had a better start than the last one two years ago.”


This can only bode well, as the Azzurrini who have just left the Under-21 set-up earned the European crown and a Bronze medal at the Olympics.

[Alessandro10]

YAY!! ::talksocc

Victory will be ours!!

[Rosa]

again!

[Rosa]

They keep on going!

Claudio Gentile's Azzurrini were looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in the fifth game of the qualifying campaign and welcomed their Scottish counterparts. Roma goalkeeper Gianluca Curci earned a start after his impressive form for the Giallorossi, while Fiorentina's Gianpaolo Pazzini partnered Cagliari benchwarmer Rolando Bianchi.

Alessandro Rosina's long-range effort was deflected off target, while Pazzini's glancing header from a Potenza free kick was inches wide of the woodwork.

Italy had a great chance to take the lead on the half-hour mark when Atalanta man Marco Motta's cross came in, but both Pazzini and Rosina had close-range efforts charged down by the desperate Scottish defence.

The first real Scottish chance came on the stroke of half-time when McCunnie's effort whistled past the post, while Andrea Lazzari's volley was wayward.

Mantovani's error almost let Riordan in for a chance in the second half, while Curci comfortably got behind Wilson's effort in an uninspired encounter.

The deadlock was eventually broken after 65 minutes. 18-year-old Atalanta starlet Motta ran down the right flank and put in a fine cross for Rolando Bianchi to turn in.

McCunnie's shot was easily saved and moments later Italy thumped the woodwork with Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani on Pazzini's assist as the game finally sprung to life.

The Azzurrini ensured the points were safe soon after, as Parma youth product Rosina - currently playing in Serie B with Verona - curled in a splendid left-foot strike from the edge of the box to sink Scotland.

A fine save prevented Bianchi adding to his tally on the counter-attack and a late shot from Brescia substitute Daniele Mannini was parried at the near post, but the Scots could find no response after that devastating double blow.

Italy remain top of Group Five with 15 points, having scored 10 goals and conceded just one, while Scotland continue to prop up the standings with two points from four games.

Curci wonderful,::nw::
And Rosina has a cool name!
Nice pic of Bianchi as well

[Muscolino18]

U21 kick ASS.

[Rosa]

There isn't a better under 21 side i europe. Always consistant and often quite lucky too.

I though they'd struggle without Gilardino (who seemingly played for them for years) and De Rossi but they're not really missed.

[hanuma]

::nw:: rosina ::nw::


there is hope for parma.

[Alessandro10]

Our u/21 has been the best in europe for a while! it shows (hopeful) a great future for the Italian side!

[Morrison]

Claudio Gentile’s Azzurrini suffered a surprise defeat against their Norwegian counterparts.

European U21 Championship qualifier - 3/6/05 (20.00)
Norway 1 - 0 Italy
Riise 78 (N)
Drammen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claudio Gentile’s Azzurrini suffered a surprise defeat against their Norwegian counterparts.

The Azzurrini went to Norway hoping to protect their 100 per cent record in qualifying Group 5 for the European Under-21 Championship.


Fiorentina hitman Giampaolo Pazzini partnered Cagliari’s Rolando Bianchi upfront and it was the Sardinians’ striker who went closest early on.


In an insipid first half, Sampdoria midfielder Biagio Pagano also had a good scoring opportunity snuffed out by the Scandinavians, while Norway couldn’t quite finalise their team moves with good finishing.


There was only one real save from Gianluca Curci and it prevented Strand from opening the scoring.


Pazzini was booked during the first half and will therefore be suspended for September's next qualifier against Scotland.


However, just as it seemed set for a goalless draw, the deadlock was broken with 12 minutes remaining. Riise popped up with the winner for Norway that dooms Gentile’s Italy to their first defeat in this qualifying campaign.


It was a defensive error that allowed the midfielder time to turn and beat Roma goalkeeper Curci inside the area.


In tonight's other qualifier, Slovenia won 2-1 in Belarus, but Norway remain in second place.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Norway U21: Jarstein; Skionsberg, Onstad, Gabrielsen, Bertelsen; Riise, Sokolowski, Grindheim, Moen; Strand, Holm


Italy U21: Curci; Motta, Mantovani, Piccolo, Potenza; Rosina (Pepe 65), Donadel, Montolivo, Pagano; Bianchi, Pazzini


Ref: Van der Velde (Bel)

[Jager]

Tough game, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

[Rosa]

No Aquilani, no win!

[Pennywise]

Well it will be a tough match tomorrow also. Norway have beaten Italy two times on row in Oslo. But I think it will be a draw or Italy victory tomorrow.

Ps: The match were played at Marienlyst Stadium in Drammen earlier today, where my favourite team Strømsgodset plays their home matches. A Majestic stadium, or what?

[ParmaKing]

Very disappointed in this result, however we still will be in first place.

[calciofan]

Italy will be confident of reaching the Under-21 European Championship Finals after being drawn against Hungary in the play-offs. The Azzurrini, winners of Group 5, will take on their opponents in a two-legged tie in November to reach next summer’s tournament.

Italy are the reigning European champions after Alberto Gilardino inspired them to the title in 2004 and will trying to defend their title when the Finals take place between May 25 and June 6, 2006, in one of the eight countries who qualify.


Full draw:
England – France
Serbia Montenegro – Croatia
Ukraine – Belgium
Russia – Denmark
Czech Rep – Germany
Slovenia – Holland
Hungary – Italy
Switzerland – Portugal

* The matches take place on November 11/12 and 15/16, with the group winners having home advantage in the second leg.

[Bentex]

Tisza Tibi's gonna get ya!