It was Fabio Miretti’s Under-21 debut for the Azzurrini and we also witnessed a first international goal for Pietro Pellegri. The two boys were among the outstanding performers during yesterday’s important victory at home to Luxembourg (3-0). Those three points establish the Azzurrini as outright leaders of their group with two games left in qualification.

Yesterday's success, however, also confirms the group’s quality and character, as they proved resilient and tough to break down. Coach Paolo Nicolato has done well to build his team amidst a lot of difficulties, related to injuries and promotions to the senior national team, but also the refusal to give these young players the game time they require from their respective clubs.

Pellegri, who made it 2-0 on the night, after Vignato opened the scoring, had this to say post-match. "This was an important goal for me, but also for the team. It was imperative that we won the game and I’m delighted we did, but now we have to set our minds to training well prior to the match against Sweden ”. Pellegri really knows what it means to represent the Azzurrini, after rising through the youth ranks from the Under-15s to the Under-17s and then his debut, at nineteen, for the men’s team which came in the second half of the friendly against Estonia. He has a special connection with coach, Paolo Nicolato: "It's true, I have a fantastic relationship with him, and really enjoy playing under him, which really inspires me to give my best not just for the team, but him too. It means a lot to be part of this group of players. I am a proud Italian and have a real affiliation with the Azzurri shirt, and I know the importance of representing your national team. Football is very much like life; there are both good and not so good times, but you must stay strong and work hard to overcome these obstacles. Whenever I have a period of bad luck, I overcame it by working tirelessly and listening to those more well-informed on football than myself”.

Fabio Miretti is the youngest player in the group, as he turns nineteen this August. He proved himself to be a real "jewel" for Juventus and the Under-19 Azzurrini side and he too has progressed through the national youth ranks. He made his debut against Luxembourg and assisted Gaetano's goal that sealed the win. “For me it is a great satisfaction. It is an honour to be here and to be called up for the Under-21 team, as a much younger player and to play the full 90 minutes; a wonderful emotion. I hope to earn more opportunities in the future, however I am enjoy my football at the moment. I joined the group a few days ago and understood from the off that this is a close-knit bunch. In fact, everyone made me feel at home. I will remember my first victory with the team for many years to come and hope it can help us achieve our dreams".

Having conquered their first of three challenges, the Under-21s left Luxembourg today and made their way to Helsingborg, where they will play Sweden on Thursday (18:00 CEST live on Rai2). Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi picked up a knock to his left shoulder during the training session this afternoon.