The Azzurrini’s journey in the Under 21 European Championship started with a new format is already beginning. In the first match of the group stage, Nicolato’s team was stopped on a draw (1-1) by the Czech Republic. In Celje (Slovenia) Italy, returned to the field more than four months after the last match played against Sweden, comes with the offensive tandem formed by Scamacca, fresh from the brace scored in Parma and captain Cutrone. In front of Carnesecchi the trio Gabbia-Delprato-Marchizza, with Zappa and Sala called to push on the flanks. In the control room Tonali, supported by Frattesi and Maggiore.
Our Under risks already after a few minutes on Lingr’s close gore, foiled by Carnesecchi. Then the Azzurrini gain confidence and shortly after half an hour they break the deadlock with Scamacca who, served by Cutrone’s filter, skips Jedlicka and bags. Italy seems to control the game and Cutrone commits the Czech goalkeeper to grind. Still Scamacca in the second half has the possibility of doubling from close range, on Cutrone’s low cross. Then there is an opportunity not exploited by Zappa. The Czechs draw comes with an unfortunate own goal, that of Maggiore, on Karabec’s free-kick. The azzurrini go in search of the three-point goal: Jedlicka deflects a free-kick from Tonali for a corner and then overcomes on a header from Gabbia. But in the final Italy collects two expulsions. Tonali is punished with a direct red for a stomp in Sasinka, then in the recovery it is Marchizza who leaves the field early for a double yellow card, after a danger created by Sala that Jedlicka foils. Nothing to do, the result does not change anymore.
In addition to the result, the double absence for the next match does not invite us to smile: the Milan midfielder and the Sassuolo defender will not be available for the challenge that already promises to be decisive, on Saturday in Maribor, against Spain already at the top of the group thanks to the 3-0 victory over Slovenia. On Tuesday 30 March, again in Maribor, the Azzurrini will close the group by facing Slovenia. The first two classified in each group enter the quarterfinals. At the end of the match Nicolato cannot hide his regrets and regrets. «It’s not that I’m not satisfied, some guys don’t have the pace of the match, but in the second half we could have done a little better. But the matches are difficult and complex. We were good at creating a lot, we were also a bit unlucky », he commented to Raisport’s microphones. “The expelled? This is also something we don’t like, but these things happen in football. We accept it », he explained,« What changes this result? We must try to do the best we can, as always. Winning was better and losing was worse ».