Italy U-21 Win vs Belgium May Not Be Enough For Semis

The Azzurrini did their job, but their fate doesn’t depend on them anymore. Luigi Di Biagio’s Under-21 selection defeated 3-1 an already-eliminated Belgian side on Saturday, but Spain’s simultaneous 5-0 routing of Poland qualified the young Furias Rojas as first from Group A of the U-21 European Championship. Chances for Italy to advance as best runner-up are dim.

Poland Lone Goal Brings Azzurrini Back to Reality

Italy, it’s reality-check time already. A lone goal by Krystian Bielik gave Poland an unexpected win over Luigi Di Biagio’s Azzurrini in the second match of Group A of the U-21 European Championship. Italy are now at risk of missing the train to the next stage of the tournament. Even beating Belgium next Saturday could not be enough to book a place in the Semifinals.

Italy U-21 Defeat Spanish Nemesis with Chiesa Brace

Italy U-21 finally broke a spell made of multiple setbacks against the same-aged Spaniards, defeating Luis de la Fuentes’ side 3-1 on Sunday in their opening match in Group A of the U-21 European Championship. The young Azzurri came from behind to level Dani Ceballos’ lead with a double by Federico Chiesa, before setting the score with Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Coach Di Biagio Chooses Continuity: Buffon In, Balo Out

The revolution can wait. For his first convocations as interim head coach of the Italian Nazionale, Luigi Di Biagio chose to walk a conservative path. Those who were hoping for a complete cleanup among the Azzurri ranks after their shameful failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup might be disappointed – and yet, the pool of human resources available to Di Biagio didn’t leave much room for different choices.