A game, a spectacle, four goals, but most important of all, achievement of the evening’s objective in Maribor, where Italy qualified for the quarterfinals of this unusual European Championship. With a great show of character and personality, the Under 21 team beat hosts Slovenia 4-0 and qualified in second place in the group behind Spain (who beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in the group’s other match). Italy advance to the knockout phase, which includes a quarterfinal, semi-final, and final, and will be played - again in Slovenia and Hungary - from 31 May to 6 June.

The Azzurrini achieved success thanks to goals from Maggiore and Raspadori and a brace from Cutrone, all within the opening 50 minutes. In reality, however, it was once again a team effort from a cohesive group of players who have completed an exciting journey that began two years ago and has been built on nine wins, three draws, and one defeat. A group that shines through in difficult moments, that grits their teeth when needed, that knows how to overcome even the umpteenth emergency dictated by the numerous defections, especially when those who take to the field are so good that they eliminate any regrets over absentees.

MATCH REPORT - Italy came into the match with Slovenia after two draws with the Czech Republic and Spain and only one goal scored, but with four red cards and six players suspended. Once again Nicolato was forced to count the absentees, with the heaviest felt losses coming in midfield. The Coach did not change formation, starting with Carnesecchi in goal, a three-man defence made up of Lovato, Gabbia, and Ranieri, a midfield which included Bellanova, Frattesi, Pobega, Maggiore, and Sala, and an attacking duo of Raspadori and the captain Cutrone.

Almost surprisingly, the Slovenians made a strong start and aimed to close all the spaces well from the beginning so as not to leave the initiative to their opponents. But this tactic was very short-lived. Italy, skilled in speed and in tight play, took the lead in the 10th minute: Everything came from a deep through ball to Cutrone, followed by a shot from Pobega that was saved by Vekic before the rebound fell for Maggiore to send a left-footed shot inside the far post.

Having unlocked the match, the Under 21s gained more confidence and after another nine minutes doubled their lead: This time it was scored by Raspadori, who very skilfully ran past the opponent's back line and scored his third goal with the Azzurri jersey, after his brace against Sweden. Nicolato's team continued to attack at 2-0 and on 25 minutes Frattesi was brought down in the area and awarded a penalty that Cutrone coolly converted with his right.

Slovenia woke up in the 36th minute and once again, as in the final moments against Spain, Carnesecchi was the hero as he deflected Matko's shot out for a corner. But it was only an episode. Before returning to the dressing room for half time the Azzurrini missed another opportunity as Cutrone, in search of a brace, missed the second penalty awarded by Polish referee Frankowski. From twelve yards, his low but not very angled shot was saved by Vekic without much difficulty.

The second half was all Italy once again. The Under 21s weren’t satisfied with the 3-0 scoreline and five minutes in Cutrone made up for his missed penalty by bagging his brace with a precise and powerful shot under the crossbar.

Nicolato's first change came in the 54th minute, with Marchizza coming on in place of Lovato, and Gabbia moving to the right to accommodate new entry in the centre of the defence. At this point, the game was being played at a much slower tempo. Yet there was no lack of opportunities, like Cutrone’s effort from very close to the goal line in the 72nd minute.

But Marchizza himself got sent off in the 82nd minute - which was the only drawback from these ninety minutes – leaving the team with ten men. A minute later, Carnesecchi pulled off a miraculous save and, on the counter-attack, a glorious opportunity was missed by Frattesi. A lively and entertaining game right until the end.

 

After the match, the president of the FIGC Gabriele Gravina congratulated the team, all the way from Vilnius where he was following Mancini's team: “I am proud of our boys, they have been able to demonstrate their great value and determination, even in difficult moments. The 'Blue Renaissance' also shows in their demonstrations of character and the enthusiasm they manage to generate. Congratulations to the Coach and to all the staff”.

Nicolato's embrace with the whole team says a lot about the emotions and satisfaction of the Azzurri coach: "I want to congratulate all the staff who have worked hard in these two years, for completing a more than positive journey, it makes me very proud. We have always come out of difficulties with great determination and achieved important results, I was really lucky. I don’t want to talk about the red card, I have already done so in recent days and I retain what I said. We are all very happy because it was difficult to field a team today, with the squad reduced to its bare bones and with the pressure of getting a result at all costs. But we succeeded and we also did it well”.

Results and standings in Group B

Matchday One (24 March)
Czech Republic 1-1 Italy
Slovenia 0-3 Spain

Matchday Two (27 March)
Slovenia 1-1 Czech Republic
ITALY 0-0 Spain

Matchday Three (30 March)

Spain 2-0 Czech Republic
ITALY 4-0 Slovenia

Standings: Spain 7 points, ITALY 5, Czech Republic 2, Slovenia 1