It was a successful return to action for the Under-21 National Team, the first Italy side to take to the pitch again after the enforced break due to the coronavirus. In Lignano Sabbiaforo, the Azzurrini ran out 2-1 winners against Slovenia despite not being able to train yesterday after a second player had tested positive for the virus. With Bastoni, Locatelli and Kean having been called up by Mancini for Italy’s Nations League double-header, Nicolato fielded seven debutants and saw a good response from the players lacking in experience, all of whom showed plenty of desire to showcase their talents. The Azzurrini dominated from the outset and took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to two free kicks from Colpani and Melegoni. After the restart, the team continued to control proceedings.

This match will undoubtedly have provided a confidence boost ahead of the team’s fixture in Kalmar next Tuesday, when Nicolato’s men will face Sweden with the aim of securing three precious points in European qualifying. The Azzurrini are currently second in Group 1 with 13 points from five games, three behind an Ireland side that has played two more matches. Italy will have to try to avoid slipping up in the knowledge that they’re not in optimum physical condition: “Considering that we’ve had more swabs taken than we’ve trained, it was a good performance,” the Head Coach said. “We’ve experienced five complicated days, but they’ve allowed us to grow. In the first half, we did really well. After that, there were many changes, a bit of fatigue set in and we started to struggle with some of their long balls forward. Nevertheless, we didn’t give much away. I saw lads who can lend us a hand, while those who won’t be in the squad for Sweden can help us out in the future too.” Colpani, meanwhile, made a dream debut: “It was really emotional, I’m happy with the win and performance. We’re a strong side and have many good players.”

THE MATCH. Nicolato fielded a completely different team compared to the one that took to the pitch against Armenia in Catania on 19 November last year. Alessandro Plizzari was selected in goal, with Casale and Varnier lining up in the centre-back positions in front of him. Meanwhile, Bettella and Tripaldelli were the right and left full-backs respectively. Colpani, Maleh and Melegoni were selected in midfield, while Sottil, Giacomo and 18-year-old Sebastiano Esposito, the youngest player in the group, made up the front trio.

Italy started strongly and had the ball in the back of the net after four minutes, but Casale’s finish was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. With eight minutes on the clock, Esposito headed Maleh’s cross wide from an excellent position. On the half-hour mark, the Inter youngster combined well with Raspadori before firing an effort at the outrushing Vekic. The Azzurrini finally took the lead in the 34th minute thanks to Andrea Colpani, whose free kick from a narrow angle took a slight deflection and beat the goalkeeper. It was a similar story three minutes later: Melegoni’s set piece came off Celar’s back and wrongfooted the Slovenian shot-stopper. Now 2-0 up, Italy were firmly in control and almost added a third through Raspadori.

At half-time, Plizzari, Sottil, Maleh, Bettella and Sebastiano Esposito were taken off, with Del Favero, Adjapong, Salvatore Esposito, Cuomo and Salcedo being brought on. The pattern of play remained the same after the restart: Slovenia were defending with ten men in their own half and the Azzurrini were looking to find the space to do damage. Melegoni shot from distance, but Vekic was equal to the attempt. As the tempo inevitably dropped, Nicolato sent on Ranieri, Maggiore and Carraro. Slovenia pulled one back after 78 minutes through Matko, who was left with the easy task of supplying the finish after Del Favero had denied Medved. It was a goal that ultimately didn’t matter, and a slightly unusual development for this Italy side: the Azzurrini haven’t conceded in their five European qualifying matches so far. Tensions started to fray at the end, with Slovenia having two players sent off. The full-time whistle was blown, and it’s now time for Nicolato’s side to focus on their showdown with Sweden. The Head Coach will name his 23-man squad for the trip to Kalmar tomorrow.