In keeping with the Italian Football Federation's policy of using young national coaches, the Azzurrini's UEFA European Under-17 Championship bid is being led by 39-year-old Luca Gotti as they welcome 2006 runners-up the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine for Elite round Group 2 from Saturday.
Gotti, a former Milan and Reggina youth coach, took over in September. He had a difficult start but the Azzurrini found form in the qualifying round with 4-0 wins against Malta and Andorra and a goalless draw with Serbia. In January they played two games against a strong Republic of Ireland team, losing 1-0 but then winning 2-0 with goals from Salvatore Caturano and Fernando Forestieri. Caturano scored again in a 2-1 defeat by Russia in February.
Empoli striker Caturano and Lazio centre-back and captain Alessandro Tuia are important players but attention has been on attacking midfielder Forestieri, who scored on his Serie B debut for Genoa against Pescara three days before turning 17, and then led his side to victory in the prestigious Coppa Carnevale youth event.
Born in Argentina, he opted for Italy this summer and scored three times in the qualifying round. "I want to help this side to win the European Championship," Forestieri said. "My real dream is to play a [FIFA] World Cup final with Italy just as [Argentina-born] Mauro Camoranesi did last summer."
Friday, March 23, 2007
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