The Azzurrini (U21-20-19...) Thread (6 Viewers)

[Tobias]

TEAM AT WORK FOR FAR OER AND ALBANIA
DE SILVESTRI: "I AM WAITING FOR THE RIGHT OCCASION"​

Two weeks after winning the friendly match against France 2-1, the Under 21 team coached by Casiraghi is back on the field for the European qualifications. On Friday, the 7th, the team will be in Trento for the match against the Far Oer islands, while on Tuesday, the 11th, they will be in Durazzo against Albania that they beat in June, 4-0, in the debut match of the new Under 21 team.

A double training session today for the team: in the morning speed and motory reactivity exercises and a test match of about 20 minutes at the end: in the afternoon, a technical-tactical session.
The new player for these matches is Lorenzo DeSilvestri, the nineteen-year old Lazio defender who is starting his National team adventure: "Personally - said the player - I think I have starter the season off well: the adventure with the Under 21 team is great and I hope to I deserve it for how I have been playing with my club. I am aware that my role is covered by the team captain, Motta, and I am still young with respect to my teammates. I still have two years ahead of me but you always try to win a spot on the team and I hope I get the chance to show what I can do".

Another player, Arturo Luppoli, is dreaming about getting the right chance: "I really would like to show what I am worth, but I know I have to wait for my turn: the season is long, and there are a lot of objectives to reach. I am here on the National team to do my duty, and if called, I will be ready to give all I can. We are better than the Far Oer Islands, but we must not underestimate any of our opponents knowing that we can count only on ourselves

 

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[Christina]

They're so good, people confuse them with the senior team.

 

[Tobias]

They're so good, people confuse them with the senior team.

Good one

 

[Kosta]

Then let the youngsters play against France.

 

[Ahmed]

Giovinco will destroy them!

 

[Kosta]

Empoli coach should give more playing time to Giovinco. The kid is diamond ready to shine.

 

[Ahmed]

yea true...but he really needs to beef up as well...looks like a 12-year old

 

[Red]

U21 game v Albania will be on StreamerOne tomorrow.

 

[Alen]

Highlights of Italy-Faroe Islands

Giovinco was man of the match, again

 

[Carlo D]

Again, too many damn missed chances against the Faroe Islands, & the goal conceded was a comedy show in itself.

Giuseppe Rossi will be available for this afternoon's game with Albania after his ban...better news! Casiraghi is only stating the obvious when he says they need to remain focused & cool, not to be "over anxious" about getting the win...

Live on Rai Tre if you have it, 16:00 CET. If not, you're looking as Red suggests on StreamerOne.

 

[Alltagsheld]

Azzurrini not doing very well at the beginning of the 2nd half, still 0-0.

 

[Alltagsheld]

They should use their wingers more often, it does not work through the middle atm.

 

[Red]

Goal for Italy by Aquafresca, brilliant assist by Giovinco.

 

[Alltagsheld]

0-1 Acquafresca

 

[Alltagsheld]

terrible miss by Giovinco

 

[Red]

Finished 1-0.

Wasn't really a terrible miss, the goal keeper was very close to him and made it difficult.

 

[Alltagsheld]

Finished 1-0.

Wasn't really a terrible miss, the goal keeper was very close to him and made it difficult.

You're right, but he could've done better in that situation.

 

[Alltagsheld]

U-21: Acquafresca lifts Azzurrini

Cagliari starlet Robert Acquafresca was the hero as a Sebastian Giovinco inspired Azzurrini squeezed past Albania 1-0 in a Euro 2009 qualifier.

Pierluigi Casiraghi’s men had a lot to prove after labouring to a 2-1 win over the Faroe Islands last Friday and for long periods struggled to make possession count against a plucky Albanian side.

The Azzurrini pulverised Albania 4-0 back in June, and the star of that win Acquafresca was brought in from the start to replace Andrea Russotto.

Despite dominating through Daniele Dessena and Giovinco – an alleged £10m target for CSKA Moscow – the Italians created no clear chances in the first period as the hosts defended deep.

The dangerous Jahmir Hyka kept Casiraghi’s men on their toes and Andrea Consigli had to be alert to deny him from a header.

There were hearts in mouths on the visiting bench when Xhevair Sukaj hit a shot inches wide after 20 minutes, but Domenico Criscito kept the danger man quiet from that point on.

The game remained tight after the interval and Criscito was called upon to make a superb saving challenge to stop Elis Bakaj.

However, after 69 minutes the Azzurrini got their breakthrough when Giovinco beat two men and found Acquafresca who picked out the bottom corner with a precise strike.

The pressure was visibly released and Siena’s Paolo De Ceglie fired inches wide a minute later before Giovinco tried an audacious lob which finished just over the bar.

Artan Bushati’s men seemed to have set out for a 0-0 draw and looked dispirited as the pace dropped.

Bakaj fired just wide with four minutes remaining, but his shot was a rare moment of menace and Italy were allowed to cruise to their third victory from three in their Euro 2009 qualifying campaign.

Albania U-21 0-1 Italy-U21
Scorers: Acquafresca 69 (I)
Albania Under-21: Koliqi; Arapi, Lila, Sefa, Shoshi; Hyka, Bakaj, Malindi, Mile; Progri, Sukaj (Cani 73)
Italy Under-21: Consigli; Criscito, Marzoratti, Motta, Pisano (De Silvestri 42); Cigarini, De Ceglie, Dessena, Acquafresca, Giovinco; Rossi
Ref: Schorgenhofer (AUS)

channel4.com

 

[Dostoevsky]

Shelayev: Ukraine Must Beat Italy Or Else

Oleg Shelayev has laid down the gauntlet to his Ukraine team-mates by telling them that unless they beat Italy on Wednesday then they will not going to Euro 2008.

The Dnipro midfielder scored against Georgia at the weekend, but the 1-1 draw was seen a real disappointment and Ukraine five points adrift of the top two in Group B.

"If we fail to win then we can forget about Austria and Switzerland," he said. "We can't afford to go backwards.

"We lost very important points in Georgia and I didn't see the qualities that could help us beat Italy.

"However, I am optimistic and sure that we can take advantage of our last chance."

Andriy Shevchenko agreed with his compatriot and believes that if Ukraine produce their best then they could cause the Italians real problems.

"Everyone will have to give 150 or even 200 per cent.

"Only such an outlook can bring a positive result. However, we know that Italy are World Cup holders, and one of the strongest teams on our planet – perhaps even the strongest."

"It is not only about prestige as a win is very important for them; three points would take them closer to the finals.

"Roberto Donadoni asked me about Shakhtar's seven Ukraine internationals for a reason. They are a strong side."

"We have nothing to lose."

goal.com


Donadoni Gets Good News On Pirlo, De Rossi And Zambrotta

The Azzurri go into Wednesday’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with a host of selection problems but it seems three star men may be fit to play.

Having lost star striker Luca Toni to injury and midfield hardman Gennaro Gattuso to suspension, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni must have been cursing his luck when it was revealed that Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Gianluca Zambrotta had all picked up injuries in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with France.

However, Azzurri doctor Andrea Ferretti has calmed fears and declared that all three stars should be fit to play in Kiev.

“Pirlo and Zambrotta have been working separately from the rest of the group on their respective problems. Andrea has a calf injury and Gianluca has muscle fatigue, but both players are recovering well,” Ferretti stated.

“De Rossi has blisters on his feet so he went to the gym instead of training, but that’s nothing to worry about – he will be just fine.”

This is welcome news for Donadoni who has also lost two world-class players in Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti to international retirement, as well as commanding centre-back Marco Materazzi to long-term injury. The Inter defender is likely to miss the remainder of the Euro 2008 qualifying process and is not pencilled in to return until December.

goal.com

 

[Christina]

Again.