Casiraghi Proud Of Azzurrini

Following the 1-1 draw in Croatia, Italy's Under 21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi was short of breath but praised his team for reaching the European play-offs.

"It was a struggle right until the end, despite playing very well in the qualifying group, there was a risk of not going through," he said. "The lads did well because their physical condition was not optimal and tactically they were perfect."

The Azzurrini needed just a point to top their qualification group ahead of Croatia. The draw for the playoffs, which include the 10 group winners and 4 best runners-up, will take place on Friday. The tournament will be held next summer in Sweden.

"When players make sacrifices, everyone can benefit from it," Casiraghi continued. "Giovinco, Balotelli, and Candreva did well and if the three forwards help the midfield the entire team can do better. We are happy and now we await the outcome of the draw. We want to be at the Euros and this team has great possibilities."

On the rumours linking him and especially his assistant Gianfranco Zola to West Ham United, the coach said: "I'm not going to West Ham. I don't know what will happen, but I know I want to be at the Euros with these lads, they deserve it."

Casiraghi and his young Azzurri team were heavily criticised for their performance at the Olympics, where they were eliminated in the quarter finals by Belgium and clearly played for a draw against Cameroon in their last group game.

Danilo Pochini