Gigi Di Biagio insists tomorrow’s Italy Under-21 match with Denmark “will not be like a friendly.”

Both these nations have qualified for the European Under-21 Championship next summer and begin preparations in Matera on Monday at 16.00 GMT.

Gigi Di Biagio insists tomorrow’s Italy Under-21 match with Denmark “will not be like a friendly.”

Both these nations have qualified for the European Under-21 Championship next summer and begin preparations in Matera on Monday at 16.00 GMT.

“We won the play-off with Slovakia and played 50 minutes of great football, but the truth is we fell off the boil in the second half and deserved to go out,” said Coach Di Biagio.

“This is a friendly only to a certain degree. I want to see the team with the same mentality, hunger and determination to win the game.

“I want to see consistency for a whole match, not just 10 or 50 minutes. I expect a response particularly in defence.”

He could try out some new faces, including Inter striker Federico Bonazzoli and Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno.

“I think Bonazzoli can play as a centre-forward or a support striker. He is smart and moved well during training. I am happy with his progress. Right now he’s part of the Under-19 project, but you never know.

“It’s true that 90 per cent of the current squad will remain in place for the Euros, but there are also players like Sportiello at Atalanta who are doing well. Barba, Chiosa and Cragno also impressed me for the Under-20 team. We are keeping an eye on them all.”

While the Azzurrini look to the younger players, Antonio Conte has called Under-21 names Daniele Rugani and Stefano Sturaro for the senior squad.

“There are at least four or five players in the Under-21 side who are ready for the step up,” assured Di Biagio.

“That is what our work should be aimed at, getting them prepared to move on a level.”

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