U21: Italy v Czech Republic

14 November 2006: Italy U21 0-0 Czech Republic U21 (Frosinone)
Pierluigi Casiraghi's unbeaten run as Italy coach continued as the Azzurrini were held to a goalless draw by fellow UEFA Under-21 European Championship finalists Czech Republic in Frosinone.

The visitors had the better start on a heavy pitch at the Stadio Matusa and Michal Papadopulos had the first opportunity to break the deadlock after eight minutes when his powerful left-foot shot from outside the penalty area whistled just over Gianluca Curci’s bar. Italy reacted late in the half only for Raffaele Palladino's shot from the edge of the area to fly over and, soon afterwards, Parma midfielder Daniele Dessena came close to scoring on his debut but misdirected his header when found in space by Alessandro Rosina.

Casiraghi's side improved after the break largely as a result of the introduction of Giuseppe Rossi and Francesco Lodi, who were at their creative best. Both substitutes came close to scoring towards the end of the game while Czech Republic goalkeeper Josef Kubasek was forced into further saves from Graziano Pelle and Domenico Criscito, Pelle hitting the post with a header from Lodi's pinpoint corner five minutes from time.

Casiraghi will lead the five-time European champions to the Finals which begin on June 10, 2007 in the Netherlands.