Ricci drew applause from the crowd after instigating two well-worked phases of play, whilst Pellegrini also grasped more of a foothold in the game as the minutes passed. The 25th minute saw Garritano test Hojbjerg with a strong right-footed strike. Denmark’s only real chance came from a long-range effort from Nielsen, whilst the Azzurrini were still unable to break the deadlock during the opening 30 minutes. Conti maintained his lively presence down the right flank, who subsequently passed to Garritano who then played in a through ball to Grassi, however the player’s subsequent shot was unable to exploit Hojbjerg. The Danish goalkeeper also produced a decisive save in the 46th minute to keep out Petagna. Italy’s fortunes did not change following the interval, as the Atalanta attacker fired a wayward effort over the crossbar.
 
The crowd tried to rouse the Azzurrini and Garritano and Ricci always posed a threat to the opposition. Their decent link-up play was made clear as Garritano delivered an accurate cross for the Sassuolo man, whose header just went narrowly past the post. Di Biagio soon sent on Mazzitelli and Cristante to replace Pellegrini and Garritano, as the Italians continued to push back their Danish counterparts, who were forced to kick the ball long and lacked creativity. The visitors’ only real chance came halfway through the second half when Junker’s shot was blocked by Ferrari. Parigini replaced Grassi 15 minutes from the end, whilst Berraca came on in place of Masina. Italy maintained their efforts to score well into the dying stages and their final chance came to Ferrari, although his shot was intercepted by an opposition defender not far from the goal-line.
 
“We gave it our all,” said Andrea Petagna “I am sorry not to have the scored the two chances that fell to me, but sometimes that happens and it is not a problem. We are a good group and I think that we can do well at the European Championship.”Having become a starter for Gasperini’s Atalanta side, Petagna has been recently compared to another strong striker who matured as a footballer in Bergamo: “It is too early to make comparisons with Vieri,” he added. “I must first score goals just like he did in his career.” He also possesses the humility that is needed to become great. 
  ]]>