U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Italy v Albania

Group 1: Italy U21 4-0 Albania U21 (Pontedera)
Pierluigi Casiraghi’s new Under-21 side got off to a glittering start to their Euro 2009 qualifying campaign, crushing Albania 4-0 in Group 1.

The Azzurrini began their two-year era while the ‘old’ squad is still preparing for the European Under-21 Championships in the Netherlands later this month.

Casiraghi fielded an all-attack 4-3-3 system at Pontedera’s Stadio Ettore Manucci with Giuseppe Rossi and Juventus starlet Sebastian Giovinco supporting Acquafresca.

The first goal for the next generation was netted by Treviso’s Robert Acquafresca, who got the final touch to Daniele Dessena’s cut-back from six yards. There were two desperate goalline clearances from the Albanians, but they could not stop a splendid strike from Dessena to make it 2-0. Genoa defender Domenico Criscito has made a name for himself in Serie B and will return to Juventus next season. He sealed the 3-0 going into half-time with a fortunate angled drive that squirmed under the body of the Albanian goalkeeper. Xhevair Sukaj’s shot off target was really the visitors’ only attempt in a first half that was utterly dominated by the Azzurrini.

Giovinco shone in his role supporting the centre-forward and brought a tough save out of Samir Ujkani straight after the restart, as well as firing just over and setting up several good chances. The fourth goal arrived eight minutes from time and once again Juve jewel Giovinco was involved. His assist sparked a classic counter-attack for Fiorentina’s new signing Arturo Lupoli.

Only in the final moments did Albania go anywhere close to troubling Andrea Consigli with a Gilman Lika free kick and deflected effort from the same player.

The result leaves the Azzurrini top of Group 1 but its still early days.

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

GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Croatia U21 2-0 Faroe Islands U21 (02/06/2007)
Greece U21 4-1 Azerbaijan U21 (02/06/2007)
Croatia U21 3-2 Greece U21 (06/06/2007)
Albania U21 1-0 Faroe Islands U21 (06/06/2007)

GROUP 1 TABLE & FIXTURES:
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