U21 Euro 2007: Beijing beckons for Viviano

After leading Italy to a penalty shoot-out success against Portugal, goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano's only regret was that the game "could and should have been the final".

Replacing the injured Gianluca Curci during a 0-0 draw at the De Goffert Stadion, the goalkeeper fended off Manuel Fernandes' effort from the spot before Antunes put his kick wide to give Italy a 4-3 win on penalties. The victory sends Italy to next summer's Olympics, which Viviano called "one of the most important competitions of the World".

It was a dramatic turn of events for Italy and Brescia goalkeeper Viviano who traveled to the European Under-21 Championship with little hope of a first-team place. Given the Carlsberg Man of the Match award, he said: "I am very happy because I came here as a substitute. Unfortunately, our first-choice goalkeeper got injured so the coach decided to make me play. To be the most decisive player on the field in such an important game fills me with pride."

Victory in the fifth and sixth placed play-off saw Pierluigi Casiraghi's side reach one of their targets for the finals. "For us the minimum was to earn the Italian national team a place in the Olympic Games, and in the end Italy won't miss out." However, he did not deny his side had failed in their main aim, saying: "We came here to win the European Championship, because we have a top class team."

Having made 40 league appearances this season, the 21-year-old felt Thursday night's game "could and should have been the final. It was very though as we had to face Portugal who are such strong opponents."

Things became even more complicated with Giuseppe Rossi's dismissal for a second booking 16 minutes before the end of normal time, but Casiraghi's boys proved to be "a group of exceptional lads with the necessary attributes to claim the final victory".

Viviano will now be hoping to get a chance to impress in Beijing next summer. "I hope to be in the team for that tournament but that decision belongs to the coach," he said.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]