The game slowed down a bit in the second half but Italy remained in control. Di Biagio made a substitution and brought off Barreca to give Masina his debut for the U21s. After failing to convert several good chances, Di Biagio decided to send Verre and Garritano onto the pitch in place of Mandragora and Berardi, but the score remained the same until the final whistle. “I’m obviously very pleased,” commented Di Biagio “Serbia’s defeat is an important result.
 
However, our players have to be aware that our success will always be in our hands, even though we’re now top of the group.” After praising Berardi and Benassi for their goals, Italy’s manager criticised his players for the number of wasted chances: “We had a very good approach to the game, it obviously helped a lot that we scored two goals in the first 25 minutes. We then tried to score more, we know the importance of goal difference. Anyway, I’m pleased that those players who play less proved that they are ready. We’ll continue to keep an eye on them in the future.”
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