Groub B - Matchday 1
Serbia 1-0 Italy (De Goffert Stadion, Nijmegen)Serbia seized the early initiative in the European Under-21 Championship Group B as Dejan Milovanovic's fine second-half strike earned three points against five-time winners Italy in Nijmegen.
In what is widely considered the oldest city in the Netherlands, the new generation of continental superstars showed how one of football's strongest traditions - the failure to take chances proving costly - still holds true in the modern game.
Italy spurned three excellent first-half opportunities and were made to pay 18 minutes into the second half when Milovanovic, one of four Serbia players on show who were involved in the 2004 final defeat by Italy, drilled in the only goal from distance.
Czech Republic 0-0 England (Gelredome Stadion, Arnhem)
Leroy Lita missed an 88th-minute penalty as England were held to a goalless draw by the Czech Republic in the other Group B game.
The second-half substitute grazed Zdenek Zlamal's right upright with his spot-kick two minutes from time after good work from David Nugent had drawn a handball from Roman HubnÃk. It would have edged a tense encounter at the Gelredome, which saw plenty of chances go begging after half-time.
Kieran Richardson should have broken the deadlock on 49 minutes but contrived to apply too light a touch from two metres out. It marked the start of a vibrant spell. Daniel Pudil blazed over when he should have done better, though he almost made amends soon after, his fierce free-kick looking destined for the top corner before it was tipped on to the crossbar by Scott Carson. Next it was Nugent's turn, capitalising on a Lubos Husek slip and firing centimetres past the post. It was not a day for strikers.
Italy next play a crucial game against on Thursday while, Serbia play the Czech Republic.
[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]
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