Casadei's goal sends Italy to the quarter-finals. Nunziata: "I want to praise the team's attitude"

The Torino midfielder's goal helped the team to secure a place in the last eight with one game in hand.

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Casadei's goal sends Italy to the quarter-finals. Nunziata:

Second consecutive win and qualification for the quarter-finals. The Under 21 National Team beat the host side at the 'Anton Malatinsky' Stadium in Trnava, in front of 15,455 spectators to qualify for the quarter-finals with one game in hand. The side will face Spain in their final group match on Tuesday 17 June (21:00 CEST, live on Rai 2), in Trnava.

The head of the National Team delegation, Gianluigi Buffon, was present at the game, after visiting the team in the afternoon. The match was decided by Cesare Casadei's goal in the seventh minute.

Carmine Nunziata, tecnico della Nazionale Under 21

Nunziata spoke about the match: "After two matches, we've advanced to the next round. This will allow us to recoup our energy and recharge. They were two intense matches. Today, in terms of the performance, we could've done better, making too many mistakes with simple passes. But, with all of that, I want to praise the team for their commitment, determination and grit".

Casadei also commented on the match: "We're happy to have won this match because it was fundamental for advancing to the next round. We want to continue on this path. Personally, I always try to give my all to help the team".

Gianluigi Buffon was full of praise for the goalkeeper: "Desplanches did very well. In the latter stages, he pulled off a save that I don't think I could've pulled off. He has everything he needs to become a great goalkeeper. There's just one thing missing: consecration as one of the greats".

MATCH. Italy started with a 4-3-2-1 formation, making two changes. Coppola replaced Ghilardi in the middle of the defence, while Casadei came in for Koleosho. Slovakia opted for a 4-3-3. Hellas Verona's Suslov slotted into the middle of the attack.

Cesare Casadei, match-winner contro la Slovacchia a Trnava

Slovakia proved dangerous from the start but the Azzurrini responded immediately. In the 7th minute, Casadei, on his first start in the tournament, played a one two with Gnonto and then entered the area to poke the ball past the goalkeeper. The home side tried to hit back straight away through Suslov but his attempt was blocked by Ndour. Baldanzi went close to doubling the lead with a left-footed shot but his effort went over the bar. Slovakia pushed for an equaliser at the end of the half but the effort from Suslov went over the bar.

Sebastino Desplanches, protagonista di una parata decisiva su Rigo nel recupero

Italy controlled the game at the start of the second half but Slovakia also pushed back. In the 57th minute, Leo Sauer went very close to equalising but spoilt a good chance. The Azzurrini responded with a few efforts from set-pieces but could not extend their lead. Italy pushed through Koleosho and Ambrosino but failed to find a second goal. Slovakia made a final charge but Desplanches pulled off a big save to deny Slovakia. It ended 1-0. Mission accomplished. Italy are in the quarter-finals with one game to spare.
The Azzurrini will be in action again on Tuesday 17 June (21:00 CEST, live on RAI 2), at the 'Anton Malatinsky' Stadium in Trnava where the side will play Spain, who are currently top of the group on goal difference. Spain beat Romania 2-1 despite going behind early on.

LA LISTA GARA

In alto, da sinistra a destra: Casadei, Ruggeri, Ndour, Pirola, Coppola e Despalnches. In basso, da sinistra a destra: Baldanzi, Gnonto, Prati, Zanotti e Fabbian

Slovakia 0-1 Italy

Slovakia (4-3-3): Belko ©; Kopásek, Jakubko, Obert, Javorček; Rigo, Nebyla, Sauer M. (21'st Gajdoš); Marcelli (13'st Kaprálik), Suslov, Sauer L. (37'st Hollý). Unused subs.: Danko (P), Fruwald (P), Šviderský, Čerepkai, Šikula, Ujlaky, Jambor, Gaži. Coach.: Jaroslav Kentoš.

Italy (4-3-2-1): Desplanches; Zanotti, Coppola, Pirola ©, Ruggeri; Fabbian (37'st Kayode), Prati (37'st Ghilardi), Ndour; Baldanzi (18'st Pisilli), Casadei (18'st Koleosho); Gnonto (13'st Ambrosino). Unused subs.: Zacchi (P), Sassi (P), Turicchia, Koleosho, Doumbia, Guarino, Fazzini, Bianco. Coach.: Carmine Nunziata.

Referee: Nenad Minaković (SRB). Assistenti arbitrali: Nikola Borović (SRB) and Boško Božović (SRB). Fourht official: Elchin Masiyev (AZE). VAR: Mario Zebec (CRO). AVAR: Sören Storks (GER).

Scorer: 7'pt Casadei.

Note: Booked Jakubko (SVK) 37', Sauer L. (SVK) 44', Zanotti (ITA) 44', Ndour (ITA) 74', Koleosho (ITA) 86'. Stoppage time 2' and 6'.

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