By Anna Italia
Covering the 2009 UEFA European Under 21 Championship  from an Italian Perspective


                           Italy 0 - 0 Serbia

Substitutes:67' Mario Balotelli out, Ignazio Abate in       40' Matic out, Tomic in
                      77' Marco Motta out, Pisano in

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Oh my gosh guys... the curse continue with the Azzurrini not winning in the debut of the European Championship for the fifth consecutive time!   maremma!!!!

The match of the Italian Under 21 team against Serbia ends with a goalless draw 0-0.  Now, the challenge is to prepare well and get the 3 points on Friday when playing against the home team Sweden.  Imagine, the motivation of Sweden to face the Azzurrrini is at the top after beating Bielorussia 5-1....

Italy cannot risk another draw or risk being out of the Semifinals.

Here is the official starting lineup for Italy Under 21 by coach Pierluigi Casiraghi:

ITALY (4-3-3): Consigli; Motta, Andreolli, Domenico Criscito, Marchisio; Paolo De Ceglie, Bocchetti, Luca Cigarini; Robert Acquafresca, Mario Balotelli, Sebastian Giovinco.

Here is the official starting lineup for SERBIA by coach Krcmarevic:

SERBIA (4-4-2): Brkic; Pejcinovic, Petkovic, Vukovic, Tomovic; Sulejmani, Smiljanic, Fejsa, Tosic; Matic, Kacar.

I am disappointed the tridente could not work this time.  Casiraghi starting with the powerful trio "Acquafresca - Balotelli - Giovinco"    Maybe they need more practice time?  hum?  Well, we have not much time  but two days to prepare to beat Sweden or else....  FORZA AZZURRINIIIIII 

The situation for the Under 21 is not easy after we get 3 booked players including Mario Balotelli, Marchisio, and Pisano.  If they get another yellow card in the game against Sweden, they might miss the semifinal. So, if Balotelli is out, the responsibility might be for Robert Acquafresca to lead the attack.

Casiraghi must do some adjustment in the defense making many mistakes allowing Serbia too much space.  Serbia could have taken the lead in the 12th minute with Matic, who by the way is rumored to transfer to Udinese.  A closer chance for Italy was from a corner by Giovinco to Acquafresca heading the ball to miss the target on the side.  Balotelli was not at his best in this game and was substituted in the 67th minute for midfielder Ignazio Abate.

Click the video to watch the highlights of the 2009 UEFA European Under 21 Championship Group A ITALY - SERBIA on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.




 
LINEUPS
UEFA European Under 21 Championship Group A
Italy - Serbia
Tuesday, June 16, 2009

ITALY (4-3-3): Consigli; Motta, Andreolli, Domenico Criscito, Marchisio; Paolo De Ceglie, Bocchetti, Luca Cigarini; Robert Acquafresca, Mario Balotelli, Sebastian Giovinco.

Substitutes:  Sirigu, Seculin, Morosini, Marzoratti, Abate, Ranocchia, Pisano, Candreva, Poli, Cerci, Alberto Paloschi, Dessena.

Coach: Pierluigi Casiraghi

SERBIA (4-4-2): Brkic; Pejcinovic, Petkovic, Vukovic, Tomovic; Sulejmani, Smiljanic, Fejsa, Tosic; Matic, Kacar.

Substitutes:  Saranov, Zivkovic, Jovanovic, Gulan, Veljovic, Perovic, Obradovic, Milinkovic, Brezancic, Tadic, Vilotic, Tomic.

Coach: Krcmarevic

Referee: Proenca (Por)

Attendance: 7,158

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What do you think of the result?  Was it fair, yes, no, and why?  Which players surprised you or disappointed you?


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