They are acted as top favorites for the title at the U-21 European Championship: Italy and Spain. In the direct duel, both nations only showed their performance late. But after the 1-1 (0: 0) on Tuesday, both nations are qualified for the quarter -finals.
Jesus Rodriguez scored the lead after the beautiful move by the Spaniards (53.), Niccolo Pisilli equalized according to the solo worth seeing (59.). Italy survived the preliminary round with only one goal (3: 1 goals), Spain is group winner with the same goal difference thanks to the six hit. Host Slovakia won 2: 1 (1: 0) against Romania, but had previously left.
First half weak
Both teams struggled in the first round of the game in Trnava. In the course of the first 45 minutes, in which Raul Moro protruded on Spain’s right offensive side and midfield engine Isso Doumbia near Italy, both nations could only work out something like a top chance once.
After a good half an hour, that Moro put on the right for Alberto Moleiro, who moved up at about 13 meters. The shot had preceded a narrow offside position. Five minutes later on the opposite side of Doumbia Michael Kayode to the right of him, but which failed from a pointed angle to Spaniards keeper Pablo Cunat. Jacopo Fazzini, who clearly missed the Spanish goal, took the margin.
Akespanians strong after the break
After the change of sides, the Spanish game was significantly changed: “La Roja” now, which is quick and aggressively combined, now – for the time being unsuccessfully.
Because when Moleiro Moro sent right into the depth, it became clear how highly fermented Spain’s youngsters can act: Moro fit perfectly back to the penalty point, where Jesus Rodriguez came to the end. Gioele Zacchi in the box of the “Azzurri” was powerless.
Solo from Pisilli
The compensation resulted from an individual campaign, which was also very worth seeing: After a chipball of captain Daniele Ghilardi behind the Spanish four-four chain, Roma player Pisilli prevailed against Pablo Marin and overcame Cunat with a tight shot from a half-right position into the far corner.
As a result, both teams struggled to win. But thanks to a serious defensive performance and not too large risk, both moved into the quarter -finals with the draw.