U-21: Palladino sinks Moldova Tuesday 11 October, 2005
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A late goal from Raffaele Palladino concluded Italy’s European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with a win over Moldova.
The Azzurrini were already assured top spot in Group Five and a place in the play-off to enter the Finals, so they fielded an experimental side in this last qualifier.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the final minutes, as Graziano Pelle’ shrugged off three challenges and placed a perfect angled pass for Palladino to spring the offside trap and nutmeg the goalkeeper.
It was a splendid goal for the Livorno striker, although much of the credit must go to Lecce man Pelle’. Italy end their qualifying campaign with eight wins, a draw and a defeat on their way to defend the European Championship title.
“It wasn’t an easy game because Moldova still had a chance and were motivated, while we had several new faces, but the lads wanted to win this game and they achieved that,” said Coach Claudio Gentile.
“We allowed them far too much space to begin with, but that’s understandable for a lot of players, especially as Giorgio Chiellini was in a new position. I’d like to praise Pelle for his part in the goal and overall I was pleased with the performances of these players.”
On Friday the draw will decide who Italy must challenge in November for the right to enter the European Under-21 Championship Finals.
“Now we await the play-offs and in two games we’ll gamble with the two years of hard work it took us to reach this stage.”
Chiellini returned to the Azzurrini after a spell in the senior side and was handed the captain’s armband, even though he found himself in another unusual role.
“The Coach needed a midfielder due to the suspended players, but it was just important for me to play football! There were many youngsters here from the Under-20 side and we all gelled together, trying hard to help each other out,” said the Juventus benchwarmer.
Livorno’s Palladino is pushing for a starting place in those play-offs, as he has now scored two goals in three games for the Azzurrini.
“It’s a good time for me and I know these games are important to prove my worth to the Coach. A striker’s lot is an odd one, as there are times when you can’t score from a yard and others where you almost net by accident.”
Italy 1-0 Moldova
Scorers: Palladino 85 (I)
Italy U-21: Berni; Dellafiore, Coda, Canini, Marchese; Defendi, Chiellini, Cigarini (Donadel 82), Rosina (Galloppa 54); Pepe (Palladino 59), Pellè
Moldova U-21: St Damasco; Golovatenco, Bordian, Epureanu; Porfireanu, Sigaroas (Frantuz 84), Se Damasco, Bolohan; Bugaiov (Picusciac 46), Bordian; Calincov
Ref: Kralovec (Cze)
source: channel4.com
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