Italy crumble to Czech Republic in European U21 Championship

They now have to beat Germany in the final group game and even that might not be enough, as only the group winners are guaranteed qualification. Just the best runners-up from the three groups will get that fourth spot in the semis.

The Azzurini won their opening game 2-0 against Denmark, but Gigi Di Biagio made four changes, bringing in Alex Ferrari, Davide Calabria, Alberto Grassi and Danilo Cataldi. The Czechs lost by the same scoreline to Germany, though it would’ve been worse had Genoa-owned Lukas Zima not saved a penalty.

It was an aggressive start, as Lorenzo Pellegrini saw his solo effort charged down and on the rebound Federico Bernardeschi blasted straight at the goalkeeper.

Martin Hasek fired over from the edge of the box following a poor clearance, but the Czechs broke through when Daniele Rugani slipped, allowing Michal Travnik to go clear on goal and put a precise but not that powerful low drive into the near bottom corner. Gianluigi Donnarumma got his fingertips to it, but was a bit late in going down.

Moments later, Domenico Berardi’s free kick skimmed the upright and Patrik Schick tested Donnarumma at the near post, but Sassuolo star Berardi got his usual booking for a high tackle.

Andrea Petagna drilled just wide and Bernardeschi forced a save from a huge distance, but Italy were almost caught out again on the counter, this time Rugani decisive with a block.

Berardi’s good turn in the box saw him test Zima at the near post and Federico Chiesa came off the bench to sharpen Italy up. Berardi set up a Bernardeschi chance, fingertipped away by Zima, and the Sassuolo man saw his free kick well saved with Stefan Simic decisive to stop Rugani tapping in the rebound.

Italy did eventually equalise with a goal of sheer determination from Berardi, who ran on to a Danilo Cataldi through ball, saw the first attempt parried and nodded the rebound past Zima.

Moments later, Udinese’s Jakub Jankto had penalty appeals for handball, but it clearly struck Alex Ferrari on the chest.

There was a huge chance at 74 minutes, as Chiesa flew down the left, rolled across the face of goal and Petagna just failed to get there in time.

Atalanta striker Petagna missed a sitter soon after, as Chiesa won back possession, Berardi rolled across and his lob was well over an empty net with Zima beaten.

Chiesa tapped in from close range, but only after Lorenzo Pellegrini had fouled a defender in the build-up. Just as Italy were dominating, the Czech Republic restored their advantage against the run of play, Marek Havlik surprising Donnarumma at the near bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Donnarumma was a little slow to get down to the other two goals, but very slow on the third, a Michael Luftner screamer from 30 yards out.