Spain won 2-1 in the Under-21 friendly at the Stadio Olimpico but the Azzurrini performed well and a Pellegrini header spurred hope of securing a late draw.

As in the match against Poland, Luigi Di Biagio’s side had many players out absent with Bonifazi the latest absentee. Scuffet was in goal for Gollini. Masina, Mandragora, Biraschi and Ferrari were in defence. The midfield was made up of Cataldi, Benassi with a front three of Berardi, Chiesa and Cerri.

Scuffet had to make two important save early on to preserve the deadlock. After nine minutes, Berardi fired after a direct ball but Pau Lopez made an excellent save. There was a chance for Cerri after 11 minutes and a header for Chiesa after 17.

Niguez opened the scoring with a volley from a Scuffet rebound after 35 minutes. Spain went 2-0 up after 38 minutes as the ball bounced off Chiesa which allowed Mayoral to head home. The half ended with a great Scuffet save from Niguez.

Spain hit the post after 56 minutes through Asensio and Di Biagio made three changes with Locatelli, Calabria and Favilli on for Cataldi, Mandragora and Cerri.

Italy’s reaction was reward after 67 minutes as Pellegrini found the net with a header from Berardi’s cross which reopened the match. Pushed on by the 12,000 fans, Italy looked to complete the comeback with Grassi and Di Francesco also coming on but Spain gave little away as they hung on.
Luigi Di Biagio praised the reaction from his side after going 2-0 down. “It was the test that we wanted because we’ve always looked to test ourselves against the best sides and Spain are certainly one of them,” he said. “The boys gave everything, I liked the reaction after going two goals down. We were against who I think is the strongest European side at this level and we conceded but also created things, at 0-0 we had the better chances.”

Goalscorer Pellegrini also spoke: “Ours is a great group, the reaction was excellent after conceding two, we learnt that we can go to the Euros to compete.”

Source:   figc.it