Wednesday 11 August 2010

[U21] Italy dig deep to hold Denmark

Italy battled back from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw with Denmark in a friendly match in Viareggio.

Denmark dominated the first half and went ahead on 20 minutes courtesy of a header from left-back Emil Lyng. They doubled their lead seven minutes into the second, Lasse Nielsen this time heading in from a corner, before Italy hit back.

Pierluigi Casiraghi's side face a real struggle to qualify for the UEFA European Under-21 Championships in the Scandinavian country next year but they showed their resolve to earn a draw thanks to goals from the returning Alberto Paloschi just past the hour and captain Andrea Ranocchia with eight minutes to play.

While Denmark have already qualified for next summer's finals as hosts, Italy still have it all to do to join them there.

The Azzurrini dropped to third in qualifying Group 3 today, three points behind Wales and one behind Hungary, following the latter's 2-0 win in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Casiraghi's side will now face two difficult tests in their remaining fixtures in Bosnia-Herzegovina on 3 September and at home to Wales four days later as they look to make up lost ground.

UEFA U21 Euro 2011
Group 3 Standings
[1] WAL - PLD: 06 - PTS: 13
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[2] HUN - PLD: 06 - PTS: 12
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[3] ITA - PLD: 06 - PTS: 10
[4] BOS - PLD: 06 - PTS: 07
[5] LUX - PLD: 08 - PTS: 04

Group 3 Fixtures
Friday 3 September
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Italy
Saturday 4 September
Hungary v Wales
Tuesday 7 September
Hungary v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Italy v Wales

Source: UEFA

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