Italian U21 National Team - Page 9 - TalkSoccer

**Jager** · 16-10-2006, 03:02 AM

Things turn around pretty quickly, just when you think we are down and out, things change.

**dukeofdavinci** · 16-10-2006, 04:02 PM

the wc win was very monumental for our italia,not just the azzurini was revitalised but the whole nation.from the wc win we shall build on but not forgetting our loses along the way but we grow stronger from them.

we are the same old azzurris but wth a new vision n mission!!

**Jager** · 25-11-2006, 08:23 AM

Quote:

U-21: Italy in Group of Death
Friday 24 November, 2006
Italy have a mountain to climb if they want to win next summer’s Under-21 European title after tonight’s draw in Holland.

Gigi Casiraghi’s boys, who memorably beat Spain 2-1 in the September play-offs, have been placed in a very tough Group B.

The Azzurrini will face top seeds England and the Czech Republic, as well as the highly competitive Serbia.

Holland, the hosts and holders, will be confident of progress after being paired with Israel, Portugal and Belgium.

The tournament will take place between June 10 and 23, with the top two sides from each group qualifying for the semi-finals.

The last four will also qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games with an additional play-off match a possibility should England make it to the semis.

Italy have won the title a record five times so far.

UEFA U-21 Finals
June 10-23 (Holland)

Group A
Holland
Israel
Portugal
Belgium

Group B
Czech Republic
England
Serbia
Italy

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/nov24q.html

**Jager** · 25-11-2006, 08:24 AM

England vs Italy, I can't wait.

**D-Kin** · 26-11-2006, 10:40 PM

It's a tough group but to be honest it was never going to be easy.

We're still amoung the favourites though in my opinion.

The Holland-Belgium game should be good as well.

**D-Kin** · 05-12-2006, 01:46 PM

Under-20 squad: Abate (Modena), Belmonte (Bari), Bentivoglio (Modena), Brivio (Fiorentina), Candreva (Ternana), Carotti (Cremonese), Consigli (Sambenedettese), Costa (Bologna), De Martino (Udinese), Esposito (Sambenedettese), Giovinco (Juventus), Maniero (Juventus), Padelli (Crotone), Paonessa (Vicenza) Rinaldi (Udinese), Russotto (Treviso), Tedeschi (Cremonese), Tiboni (Udinese).

**D-Kin** · 07-12-2006, 03:22 PM

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (AS Roma), Daniele Padelli (FC Crotone).

Defenders: Marco Andreolli (FC Internazionale Milano), Michele Canini (Cagliari Calcio), Domenico Criscito (Genoa 1893), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli FC), Marco Motta (Udinese Calcio), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari Calcio).

Midfielders: Ignazio Abate (Modena FC), Simone Bentivoglio (Modena FC), Paolo De Ceglie (Juventus), Raffaele De Martino (Udinese Calcio), Marino Defendi (Atalanta BC), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Valerio Virga (AS Roma).

Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County FC), Michele Paolucci (Ascoli Calcio 1898.), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza Calcio), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli FC), Andrea Russotto (Treviso FC).

**D-Kin** · 07-12-2006, 03:26 PM

By the way the game will be played in Vibo Valentia.

Casiraghi has called up 12 new players as well.

**D-Kin** · 08-12-2006, 01:43 PM

UNDER 18: DOPPIA AMICHEVOLE
CONTRO LA FRANCIA IL 12 E IL 14
Roma 05/12/2006

Doppia amichevole per l'Under 18 di Francesco Rocca in casa della Francia. Le due partite si giocheranno martedì 12 ad Agde (ore 18.) e giovedì 14 a Sete (ore 17.30).
Per questo incontro il tecnico federale ha convocato diciotto Azzurrini:
Portieri: Gabrieli (Lecce), Pazzagli (Fiorentina);
Difensori: Brighenti (Chievo), Chirico (Lazio), Darmian (Milan), Legittimo (Lecce), Palumbo (Roma), Gentili (Atalanta);
Centrocampisti: Poli (Treviso), Della Penna (Roma), Calderoni (Piacenza), Casarini (Bologna), Barbetti (Cisco), Palumbo (Napoli), Viola (Reggina);
Attaccanti: Bianchini (Roma), Carbonato (Palermo), Di Crescenzo (Siena).
Gli Azzurrini si raduneranno domenica alle ore 18 presso il Centro Sportivo La Borghesiana di Roma dove martedì mattina, prima della partenza che avverrà nel pomeriggio, sosterranno una seduta di allenamento.

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

Under 18 with a double header against France. Della Penna and Darmian the pick of this bunch.

**D-Kin** · 10-12-2006, 01:11 PM

Marchisio has been removed from the squad after picking up an injury against Verona so Bologna's Morosini has been called up as his replacement.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/dec10g.html

**D-Kin** · 11-12-2006, 05:59 PM

It was a thigh injury that Marchisio suffered.

http://www.juventus.com/uk/news/deta...0000&ID=95 71

**D-Kin** · 12-12-2006, 11:40 PM

The game finished 2-0.

Not a bad run out for some of the new players.

**D-Kin** · 13-12-2006, 11:59 AM

Quote:

An experimental Italy U-21 side narrowly beat Luxembourg 2-0 on Tuesday thanks to goals from Arturo Lupoli and Gabriele Paonessa.

Although it was not a vintage display from the five-time European champions, the Azzurrini have ended a tough year on a high.

Coach Gigi Casiraghi used the Vibo Valentia test to try out some new faces after handing 12 boys their debut Azzurrini call-up.

Given that Italy had beaten their opponents seven times in seven games at this level and Luxembourg lost a recent friendly 6-1 to German club side Bochum, Italian fans were expecting a festival of goals.

However, the first half was a low-key affair against a Luxembourg XI who were making their presence felt with some flying tackles.

Roma youngster Virga had the first real effort of the opening 45 minutes against the defensive Luxembourg. He warmed the palms of the ‘keeper with a vicious shot.

Italy did take the lead in minute 13 though through Lupoli. The Derby County striker, owned by Arsenal, netted on his debut in some style. He slipped past two defenders before driving his low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left-hand corner.

Lupoli thus became the first striker to score under the reign of Casiraghi seeing as midfielder Montolivo and defender Chiellini had netted previously.

Roma ‘keeper Curci had to be alert to keep a 20th minute effort out, before a dangerous looking Defendi tested the opposition custodian with an accurate shot which the No 1 did well to get right behind.

The second period opened with a weak Lupoli header, before Italy literally handed their visitors a chance to equalise. A cross from the left struck Motta’s arm and the referee had no choice but to award a spot-kick. But Curci made a stunning diving save to his right from Bigard to keep his side in front.

That scare seemed to awake the Azzurrini even if they only moved up from first to second gear.

Defendi treated the crowd with a stunning scissor-kick which bounced over the bar, while Paolucci wasted a fine opportunity on the hour with just the ‘keeper to beat.

Abate brought the best out of ‘keeper Diederich in the 76th minute, before Paonessa made the game safe soon after. The Vicenza youngster was perfectly played in and he slid the ball under the diving goalkeeper to secure a 2-0 triumph.

Italy 2-0 Luxembourg
Scorers: Lupoli 13 (I), Paonessa 84 (I)

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/dec12m.html

**D-Kin** · 13-12-2006, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Azzurrini boss Pierluigi Casiraghi was pleased after his side’s 2-0 friendly win against Luxembourg. “It was a real match,” he declared.

A highly experimental U-21 team defeated their opponents at the Luigi Razza Stadium in Vibo Valentia on Tuesday which saw the side end a difficult year on a high.

“I am very happy, tonight’s match against Luxembourg was a real game,” said the Coach, who is unbeaten since he replaced Claudio Gentile in the summer.

“It wasn’t easy and we had some difficulties at the beginning because there were several new faces on the pitch, but I am glad of what they were able to do,” continued the former Lazio man.

“We ended the year in the best possible way, now we must focus on the European Championship that we will prepare with the help of some friendlies in February and March.

“Only the pitch will give us the right indications to form the squad which will face this important adventure.

“Tonight’s match was an important occasion for the younger players and I think everyone passed the test, although it is normal that some things can be improved,” concluded Casiraghi.

The youngsters netted the win with goals from Gabriele Paonessa and Arturo Lupoli. The latter could not hide his satisfaction of scoring on his debut.

“I was dreaming of playing with this team and it came true. I was also able to score and I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said the Derby County striker, who is on loan from Arsenal.

Lupoli also confirmed rumours that he may consider a move to Italy at the end of the current campaign.

“My contract with Arsenal expires next year and we are discussing a renewal,” he continued.

“I obviously am following what happens in Italy as well. There are some clubs interested in me, but that doesn’t mean there are conversations underway.”

The Azzurrini will play the final phase of the U-21 European Championship which will take place in the Netherlands from June 10 to 23 next year.

Five-time champions Italy will face England, Serbia and the Czech Republic in Group B.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/dec13a.html

**D-Kin** · 13-12-2006, 11:59 PM

Italy U20 1-0 Germany U20 - Paonessa 80'

Team:
Padelli (Consigli 46'); Belmonte (De Silvestri 64'), Cremonesi, Rinaldi, Tedeschi (A. Esposito 71'); Candreva (Carotti 46'), De Martino, Bentivoglio (capt.) Russotto (Abate 59'); Giovinco (Paonessa 46'), Maniero (Tiboni 46')