#bonazzoli

Euro 2019 could be the last straw for Di Biagio and his team will have to show more than they did in the 3-2 defeat to Portugal and the draw with France. Despite having lost stars of the caliber of Chiesa, Pellegrini, Donnarumma, and Mandragora to the senior squad, Italy still had talents such as Barella, Cutrone, Calabria and Locatelli at their disposal.

Portugal U21-Italy U21 3-2

Italy did start brightly. Cutrone threading a neat pass behind the defense for Verde to draw a save from the keeper on a tight angle. It would turn out to be a day of defensive disasters however; captain Calabria allowed Jota to float in behind him to finish a cross into the box. Moments later, the Milan fullback lost his balance while in possession. Portugal profited and got a deflected cross which fell nicely for Jota for another tap in. It was desperately disappointing for Davide Calabria, who was unable to replicate his good form for Milan today.

Italy pulled one back with Parigini who struggles for goals at club level, but has now scored 4 in 13 for the Azzurrini. Verde was again involved, as it was his cross that slipped through to Parigini at the far post in a move similar to Portugal’s second. The Italians pressed for an equalizer with Portugal trying on the counter, until Romagna missed-kicked a clearance for yet another Portugal cross and tap-in. The defender has played well when called upon for Cagliari this season, but this was clearly a bad day at the office for Di Biagio’s defense. 

Italy came out in the second half, 3-1 down, and Bonazzoli managed to win and convert a penalty to give themselves some hope. Gianluca Scamacca tried an audacious equalizer by setting up a bicycle kick for himself from outside the box - unfortunately over the bar. It finished 3-2 for Portugal who were practically gifted all of their goals; with fans left wondering “what if” and Di Biagio left wondering how to get his defenders on club form.

Some of the brighter Azzurrini performers were Barella and Verde out of the starting 11, while Di Marco, Bonazzoli, and Scamacca were impressive off the bench. Also Pessina, expected to be recalled to Atalanta from his loan at Spezia, had a decent outing after replacing Locatelli in midfield. Teenager Christian Capone (also owned by Atalanta, but loaned to Pescara) made a positive debut off the bench - more on him later.

France U21-Italy U21 1-1

Italy turned up in France 4 days later, determined to rectify the calamitous defensive display against Portugal. A positive performance against a reputable French side, who’ve already mathematically topped their Euro 2019 qualifying group, would go a long way towards achieving that goal. Speaking of goals, it only took 11 minutes get one in this match, but it was the French doing the scoring. Celtic sensation Dembele’ was inexplicably left unmarked for a free header past Montipo’; who was making a rare start in goal ahead of the inconsistent Scuffet.

Italy were without Barella, Cutrone, and Depaoli, and were submissive to France’s pressure for the opening 30 minutes, with France trying to double their lead from distance; going close on a couple of occasions. Eventually the Azzurrini settled and carved out opportunities of their own. Under 21 form man, Parigini, was sharp just outside the box and made space for himself; stinging the palms of Bernardoni in the French goal. Les Bleuets nearly caught Italy on the break, again with Dembele’ and his well-placed shot from just out the box. This time Montipo’ pulled off a wonder save in the battle between accented names. 

The first half was delivering end-to-end entertainment and Italy went close to equalizing before the break. Murgia slipped a ball into the box for Bonazzoli to angle his shot just wide of the post. After the break, Verde made way for Scamacca who wasted little time in causing problems for the hosts. Keeper Bernardoni was again asked to palm a low shot around the post, after Scamacca received a sweet little backheel from Parigini. The former PSV man was indeed linking up well with Parigini, and Italy continued in the search to draw level. Italy got their deserved equalizer through Capone who, just seconds after his introduction, picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and curled it nicely past the keeper. It was only Capone’s second Under 21 appearance as the Pescara forward (on loan from Atalanta) only turned 19 in April, despite his tender age he picked up 6 Serie B goals during his debut season in professional football.

There was time for another French foray from distance that failed to trouble Montipo’, but the day would ultimately end with a fair 1-1. 

Italy took their time easing into this game, but there were several positives to take away. Montipo’ proved to be a valid alternative in goal, Gianluca Mancini confirmed the growth he’s been showing with Atalanta, and Murgia stepped up to take control of the midfield in a difficult game. 

Di Biagio will feel that there was an obvious improvement in concentration, compared to Portugal, but there’s still lots of work to be done to ensure that the defense is working harmoniously. The uncertainties that come with coaching an under 21 national side poses many challenges; with much of the personnel playing intermittently or not at all. There aren’t any easy fixes for that, but with the pride and history that Italy have at under 21 level, the FIGC will want to be more aggressive in persuading clubs to invest in localized youth. As hosts in this dark era of Italian football, the country will want silverware. If that sounds too demanding, it would be opportune to point out that Italy are still Under 21 record title holders for European championships.

vs Portugal (4-3-3) : Scuffet; Calabria (C), Romagna (55' Luperto), Mancini, Petretta (68' Dimarco); Barella (83' Brignola), Locatelli (68' Pessina), Murgia (74' Valzania); Verde (55' Capone C.), Cutrone (55' Bonazzoli), Parigini (74' Scamacca).