Azzurrini draw opener with Serbia 0-0

By: Francesco | June 16th, 2009

Not a bad start for the Azzurrini but not the best start either. The Italian U-21 side drew 0-0 with Serbia in a game where both sides could’ve scored and won the game. In the other group game Sweden defeated Belarus 5-1 and the Swedes will be Italy’s next opponent. The one thing I never liked was this 4-3-2-1 Casiraghi employs with Giovinco and Balotelli supporting Acquafresca. Giovinco and Balotelli are too wide and it makes them less effective, especially SuperMario, who I think is much better as a central striker. Also, the use of Paolo De Ceglie as a central midfielder instead of a natural center midfielder like Daniele Dessena was pretty baffling. I think Casiraghi would do well to put out a 4-4-2 in the next game with Balotelli up front. Speaking of Balotelli, it looked like the pressure got to him in this match. Every time he got the ball he just tried to do too much with it and didn’t slow down and do the simple things. And of course, he got a meaningless yellow card for kicking the ball away in frustration after failing to control a pass. The next game against Sweden has to be a win if the Azzurrini want to be on the right track to qualifying for the semi-final. Highlights after the jump.

Italy: Consigli; Motta (Pisano 78), Andreolli, Bocchetti, Criscito; Marchisio, Cigarini, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Acquafresca, Balotelli (Abate 67)

Serbia: Brkic; Tomovic, Vukovic, Pejcinovic, Petkovic; Tosic, Fejsa, Smiljanic, Matic (Tomic 85), Kacar; Sulejmani

Italy U21 Vs. Serbia U21 at FootyTube.com

Some Related Serie A Posts:

Category: Azzurri, Results, Serie A

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Italiano

goog game from the Azzurrini, we should not forget that we played against good tactical team and one of the best in Europe "Serbia". Azzurrini got so much talented players and you might think i am crazy but these guys should all play for the Azzurri after this tournament is over. Yes Italy might or will loose lots of games, but in an investment point of view this is the best investment Italy can have for at least 10 years.
MAD

Balotelli was very much out of his comfort area on the touchline so far away from the penalty area, but also it seemed like he wasn't allowed to run at goal and take defenders on.

He's a big, strong, fast player who can be very technical. In that game he just looked like he was standing in one spot and trying to make long passes and long shots.

But then again no one looked very good. Giovinco missed a hell of an opportunity flubbing a shot right at the goalkeeper when he was all alone, and Acquafresca looked a little toothless.

I didn't like the way the midfield was playing either. There was no development up the middle. Everything was going up the wings. The middle of the field looked a little soft for the players that they have on that roster.
patcook

yeh balotelli really struggled out on the wing. There are so many strong strikers in the Azzurrini squad, i dont know why you wouldnt start two of them up top, you could bury the opposition in their own third.
Nnahoj

Why all of a sudden the national teams are obsessed with having wide forwards? Italy does not have that talent available right now. A 4-3-1-2 with Gio the 1 and Balotelli and Acquafresca the 2 will work perfectly.

And yeah, De Ceglie in the middle is quite baffling. Why not a natural CM?
aristeia

I saw a lot of potential in this game, too bad we couldn't get anything in. Super Mario will be really super if he just chills out. So much talent there.
ricci

I agree w/ you that the formation sucks for these players. Balotelli was playing on the touchline for half the game, it made no sense.
rosay

ya ur right nnahoj italy r slow starterss, but im just fed up on everybody bashin on lippi and our old guard of 2006 these dayss, theres a reason lippi is still the coach and i think he can get the job doneee, i just dunt see these youngsters as the golden age of italian football thats all, they r good but they still need time to maturee and so everyone needs to chill and just let lippi do as he pleaseees for now
Nnahoj

Calm down Matty. Firstly, this was just their first game; Italy are perennial slow starters. Secondly, at U-21 level, the gap in quality is generally a lot closer than it is at the senior level. So while it is disappointing to not win, especially having created many chances, it isn't a surprise. Hell, Serbia beat Italy in the last edition of this tournament.
rosay

all of u are callin for these young gunss to be part of the azzurri, i admit each and every player on the azzurrini has potential to be great but not now, showing that giovinco, balotelli, and co. could only fight out a goalless draww. While our big boys in the confed cup managed to get a win in their first game and u guys say pirlo, toni, gattuso, and co. have lost their primeee. To all u naysayersss that lippi has lost his mind and the azzurri right now are too old, its not true as lippi and co. are doin a fine job right now in south africaa and their form will only build from thiss. The azzurrini's time will comee as those players like marchisio and aquafresca will mature and only get better. But for now the azzurri is still one of the most dangerous teams in the world. Just look at their midfield of De Rossi, Pirlo, Gattuso/Montolivo, and Camoranesi. Thats a frightful group of playersss in the centre of the parkk.
Brento

Lots of chances it seems, but no goals.
alessio

Great squad.