U21: Italy v Spain

6 October 2006: Italy U21 0-0 Spain U21 (Modena)
Italy’s chances of reaching the European Under-21 Championships in the Netherlands next year hang in the balance after wasteful finishing in the first leg of the play-off against Spain in Modena.

Solid defending and a faultless display from Mallorca goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya helped the visitors earn a precious goalless draw.

In a balanced first half, both sides showed their respect for each other as a cagey opening failed to produce any serious goalscoring opportunities. Five-time champions Italy had the better of possession but were reluctant to risk all in attack while their opponents, twice previous winners, remained comfortable in defence.

The Azzurrini were more adventurous as the first half wore on, however. Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo, who scored both of the goals in the group stage last month, tried his luck with a low right-foot shot from 25 metres but the ball whistled just wide of Moya's post. Antonio Nocerino also went close just before the break, heading over the bar from Alessandro Rosina's free-kick.

Italy began the second half in more attacking mode and threatened to make the breakthrough when Rosina dribbled past two opponents and forced Moya to dive to his left to deflect an effort from outside the box past the post. Spain responded with an attack of their own as Kepa Blanco's drive was fisted away in the 70th minute by Giancluca Curci.

With ten minutes remaining Italy passed up another good opportunity when second-half substitute Giuseppe Rossi prompted a superb stop from Moya, the keeper flying to his right to palm the shot around the post. Moya was called into action again a minute from time when he deflected a close-range header from Marco Andreolli over the bar. It was from the resulting corner that Italy squandered perhaps their best chance of taking a lead into the second leg, as Graziano Pelle fired the rebound wide after Moya could only parry a long-range attempt from Montolivo.

The second leg will be played next Tuesday evening at the Nueva Balestera Stadium in Palencia. The winners will qualify for the Final Tournament, which will take place from June 10 to June 23 in the Netherlands.


Other Results
Belgium 1-1 Bulgaria
Czech Republic 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
England 1-0 Germany
France 1-1 Israel
Russia 4-1 Portugal
Serbia 0-3 Sweden