Azzurrini attempt to derail German express
UEFA European Under-17 Championship hosts Germany stormed through the group stage but now they face what coach Marco Pezzaiuoli describes as their "toughest challenge" – Italy in Friday's semi-final in Dessau-Rosslau.
Germany beat Turkey 3-1, England 4-0 and the Netherlands 2-0 in front of a combined total of more than 20,000 fans in Group B, and are aiming to become the first team to follow up a nine-point U17 haul by lifting the trophy since France in 2004, coincidentally also the most recent victors in home soil.
Italy made a slower start, drawing 0-0 with Spain and losing 3-1 to Switzerland, but their 2-1 comeback defeat of France to snatch Group A second place hinted at the sort of slow-boiling campaign that has produced so much Azzurri success over the years.
Pezzaiuoli, with Italian roots as his name suggests, has Christopher Buchtmann back from suspension in a full-strength squad, and is naturally pleased with Germany's work so far, but it is not done yet.
"As hosts we had no qualifying," he said. "Our players have no experience of competitive games. That was a difficult situation for us at the start of the tournament.
"But the players have become used to the situation and performed well so far. We have to concentrate right now on the Italy match because this will be the toughest challenge so far for our boys."
The coach, who warned that "the competition restarts now", is reaping the reward for two years of intensive preparation, that has brought Germany face to face with Italy more than once.
"We beat them 1-0 at U16 level and had a goalless draw at the Four Nations Tournament at the beginning of this season. Germany versus Italy is a football classic and has a great history. Italian teams are very well organised and play in a very efficient way. It will be a tough match."
While the hosts will have the bulk of the crowd, the Azzurrini have not wanted for support in the finals from among the 500,000-strong Italian community in Germany, and coach Pasquale Salerno, his first goal of progress and securing a FIFA U-17 World Cup berth achieved, sent out a rallying cry.
"The lads feel the importance of this game," Salerno said. "There are so many Italian fans here in Germany.
"We know they will come in numbers too. I have told my players to find extra motivation in playing for the Italian fans."
Defender Vincenzo Camilleri remains doubtful with a groin injury, but captain Simone Benedetti was restored to the lineup in his stead with great success against France, and Salerno is more concerned about Italy's opponents.
"We know Marco's team very well from a tournament held in Italy last autumn. I saw the team on tape and at the stadium against the Netherlands. They are a very strong and brave team.
"I expect a top-level game comparable to the game against France. The team who will win will be ones with more desire and who keep their heads."
Source: UEFA
Germany beat Turkey 3-1, England 4-0 and the Netherlands 2-0 in front of a combined total of more than 20,000 fans in Group B, and are aiming to become the first team to follow up a nine-point U17 haul by lifting the trophy since France in 2004, coincidentally also the most recent victors in home soil.Italy made a slower start, drawing 0-0 with Spain and losing 3-1 to Switzerland, but their 2-1 comeback defeat of France to snatch Group A second place hinted at the sort of slow-boiling campaign that has produced so much Azzurri success over the years.
Pezzaiuoli, with Italian roots as his name suggests, has Christopher Buchtmann back from suspension in a full-strength squad, and is naturally pleased with Germany's work so far, but it is not done yet.
"As hosts we had no qualifying," he said. "Our players have no experience of competitive games. That was a difficult situation for us at the start of the tournament.
"But the players have become used to the situation and performed well so far. We have to concentrate right now on the Italy match because this will be the toughest challenge so far for our boys."
The coach, who warned that "the competition restarts now", is reaping the reward for two years of intensive preparation, that has brought Germany face to face with Italy more than once.
"We beat them 1-0 at U16 level and had a goalless draw at the Four Nations Tournament at the beginning of this season. Germany versus Italy is a football classic and has a great history. Italian teams are very well organised and play in a very efficient way. It will be a tough match."
While the hosts will have the bulk of the crowd, the Azzurrini have not wanted for support in the finals from among the 500,000-strong Italian community in Germany, and coach Pasquale Salerno, his first goal of progress and securing a FIFA U-17 World Cup berth achieved, sent out a rallying cry.
"The lads feel the importance of this game," Salerno said. "There are so many Italian fans here in Germany.
"We know they will come in numbers too. I have told my players to find extra motivation in playing for the Italian fans."
Defender Vincenzo Camilleri remains doubtful with a groin injury, but captain Simone Benedetti was restored to the lineup in his stead with great success against France, and Salerno is more concerned about Italy's opponents.
"We know Marco's team very well from a tournament held in Italy last autumn. I saw the team on tape and at the stadium against the Netherlands. They are a very strong and brave team.
"I expect a top-level game comparable to the game against France. The team who will win will be ones with more desire and who keep their heads."
Source: UEFA
posted by italian calcio blog at 17:12
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