By Anna Italia

                    ITALY U 21  5 -  0 AZERBAIJAN U 21

                                41' Amirguliyev (own goal)
                                45' Acquafresca
                                77' Cerci
                                84' A. Russotto
                                90'  Dessena

SUBSTITUTION:     Acquafresca out, Osvaldo in
                                Paonessa out, Morosini in

The team trained this morning closed door at 10:30 a.m.  Bad news is that few hours before the match Parma Defender Marco Rossi had to abandon the team for a right knee injury. Under 21 Coach Pierluigi Casiraghi also cannot count on Pisano, Andreolli, Rubin, and De Silvestri.

COUNTRY	PLAYED	POINTS
Italy	5	13
Croatia	6	12
Greece	5	10
Albania	5	7
Faroe Islands	6	3
Azerbaijan	5	1

The stadium Recchioni is a big orchestra with ITALIAN FANS cheering for the men of Casiraghi. Support has not stopped for a second.  So far, Giovinco is the one making much effort for the Italians.

Incredible, in the 41st minute, an own goal by Amirguliyev gives Italy the lead. Italy 1 - 0 Azerbaijan.

In the 45th minute, finally, after 2 attempts of goal, Acquafresca blasted the net of Azerbaijan goalkkeeper. Italy 2 - 0 Scotland.

I'm watching the match in the Italian Channel RAI and let me tell you. It's been a constant support, the best FANS chanting for the Under 21.  Narration is done by Fulvio Colovatti and Gianni Cerquetti (photo).

The first half ends with 55% ball possession for Italy and 45% for Azerbaijan. Italy 7 shots to the net, Azerbaijan 0.

Finally, the Argentinian and Fiorentina forward OSVALDO makes his debut with the Italian Under 21. Casiraghi gives him a chance to show his skills when substituting Acquafresca for Osvaldo.

Osvaldo has done a great match. Although he misses the opportunity to score the third goal for Italy, his contribution to the dynamics of the team are positive.  In the 77th minute, Cerci scored the third goal. Italy 3 - 0 Azerbaijan.

It's Italy dominating the match. In the 84th minute, Russotto scores and fans explode of joy.  Italy 4 - 0 Scotland.

Just when the match was about to finish, booommmm. Dessena scores the 5th goal for Italy. Hey, a nice way to close the match with Italian drama in the very last moment.  Italy 5 - 0 Azerbaijan.

Acquafresca who has scored 5 goals for the Under 21 declared after the match that he was obviously happy.  You bet he is happy, but also fans, coach, and all Italian fans must be happy with this result.  Can the Italian National team win convincingly tomorrow against Scotland as the Under 21 did?

LINE UPS
UEFA Under 21
Italy - Azerbaijan
Friday, November 16, 2007
B. Recchioni Stadium
12 p.m. USA Pacific time

Referee: Leontios Trattou (CYP)
Assistants: Andreas Papapanayiotou(CYP) Stefanos Hadjinikolas (CYP)
Fourth Official: Panicos Andronicou (CYP)

ITALY (4-3-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Consigli
Defenders: Motta, Marzoratti, Criscito , De Ceglie
Midfielders:  Dessena, Cigarini, Giovinco, Cerci, Paonessa
Forwards:  Acquafresca


AZERBAIJAN (4-4-2)