Balotelli scores on Azzurrini debut

By: Francesco | September 5th, 2008

After the delusion that was the Olympic games, the Azzurrini returned to the pitch to continue qualifying for the UEFA 2009 U21 Championships. The big story was the debut of Mario Balotelli, who after receiving Italian citizenship a few weeks ago was finally eligible to be called up. The Azzurrini needed a win to guarantee first place in the qualifying group, but anything less meant they would have to conquer qualification on Tuesday in Croatia. With the injury to Roberto Acquafresca, Balotelli started up front with Sebastian Giovinco and Pablo Osvaldo supporting him. Balotelli now holds the record for the youngest player ever to debut for the U21 squad at 18 years and 24 days (and he is now the youngest scorer ever), beating out Antonio Cassano, who debuted at 18 years and 35 days.

Casiraghi put out the following formation- Consigli; Motta, Andreolli, Bocchetti, Criscito; Dessena, Cigarini, Marchisio; Giovinco, Osvaldo; Balotelli

Of note, Marco Andreolli returned to the U21 side for the first time in over a year. Last year the promising defender went through so much injury trouble and it was good to see him back on the pitch. I don’t understand why Casiraghi keeps insisting on Salvatore Bocchetti in center defense. He’s decent but very mistake prone, and a talented player like Paolo De Ceglie was left on the bench.

The U21 side started out well, dominating possession and creating chances. Balotelli had a quick chance on a cross from Criscito but he put it wide. Marchisio made an excellent pass over the defense to captain Marco Motta, but his shot was weak. A defensive lapse almost gave Greece the lead, but winger Marinos put the ball wide. And then it happened, what we all expected, Mario Balotelli gave Italy the lead.

A cross was played in by Osvaldo, and it was deflected up into the air by a Greek defender. The ball fell to Balotelli, who took it on the volley and unleashed a precise rocket into the roof of the net. It was a beautiful goal, perfect coordination, accuracy, and power. He couldn’t have hit it any better. The whole team celebrated his goal.

Italy then controlled, with Giovinco trying from distance but it went wide. The Juventus fantasista had an unusually off night, he appeared tired and he wasn’t the usual player we are used to seeing. Marchisio had a shot from a Balotelli assist but the goalkeeper saved it.

After the break Italy appeared to be tired and Greece started to take over. In the 55th minute, Christodoulopoulos took the ball from about 30 yards out and unleashed a shot which sailed past Consigli and into the net. It looked like Consigli’s vision may have been blocked from Andreolli.

Italy tried to regroup, but Giovinco and Osvaldo started to become more egoistic and passed the ball less. Balotelli didn’t see the ball much, but almost scored a fantastic goal from a bicycle kick. Balotelli hit it sweetly, but it skimmed the post and went wide. What a goal it would’ve been.

The game looked like it would be a draw. Marchisio was hit in the box in stoppage time, but he had lost the ball already and the referee waved play on.

The game finished 1-1 and now Italy go to Croatia on Tuesday needing a draw or win to secure first place.

Dessena and Balotelli were the best players on the pitch in my mind. Dessena was excellent and all over the field and really put in 100%. Balotelli was excellent on his debut and showed that he truly is a future superstar.

Balotelli’s goal

Italy 1-1 Greece

Scorers: Balotelli 33 (I), Christodoulopoulos 55 (G)

Italy: Consigli; Motta, Andreolli, Bocchetti, Criscito; Dessena, Cigarini (Morosini 69), Marchisio (De Ceglie 92); Giovinco, Osvaldo (Lanzafame 77); Balotelli

Greece: Kasmeridis; Maniatis, Siontis, Tripotseris, Ioannidis; Balafas, Dimoutsos (Papadopoulos 75), Rika; Marinos, Petropoulos (Mitroglu 64), Christodoulopoulos (Pavlis 82)