Azzurrini Take On Germany

Pierluigi Casiraghi's Under-21 Italian team are set to take on their German counterparts next week...

14 Nov 2008 13:21:38

Sebastian Giovinco, Italy (Foto Grazia Neri)

Related Links

The Italian youngsters secured a place in the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship thanks to a 3-1 victory against Israel in Tel-Aviv, after the first leg had ended 0-0. This has set the Azzurrini on their way towards an attempt at a record sixth title in the competition.

The Under-21 Italian squad is preparing to face Germany next week in a prestigious friendly between two old foes of world football, providing the public with a classic encounter on 18 November.

Mario Balotelli and Sebastian Giovinco are set to shine against the Germans next week, with coach Pierluigi Casiraghi keen to mix things up, and what better team to test themselves against then the resilient Bavarians.

Italy last won the Under-21 European contest in 2004, whereas the Germans have never won the competition. The Italian youngsters have one more match day lined up in February before continental competition kicks off in Sweden in June.

Peter Pedroncelli