Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is calling for his players to maintain the momentum they built up in battling back from two goals down against England as they prepare to face the Czech Republic, bidding to keep their European Under-21 Championship aspirations alive.
The Azzurrini are the most successful side in the competition's history having won five of the last eight finals, but a return of one point from their first two Group B games has left their hopes of a sixth crown hanging by a thread. Even victory against the Czechs in Arnhem might not be enough for Casiraghi's team, who will be eliminated if England overcome Serbia, although a point would suffice should the section winners prevail in Nijmegen.Casiraghi is staying positive and points to Thursday's 2-2 draw with England for inspiration, saying: "We played a great second half, in both a physical and a football sense.
"We'll have to start again from that point, in terms of the spirit and willpower in coming back to get a good result, trying to win despite the fact that we were two goals down," continued the Italy coach, whose side met their opponents in a friendly last November, which finished goalless.
"This is the team we have to be against the Czechs. They're a strong, tough, physical team who fight for every ball and look to counterattack. They have some quality players, they're difficult to play against. Serbia and England had many problems creating chances against them because they keep the defence and midfield very close together. They never give too much space away."
[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]
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