Palermo forward Andrea Belotti said the Italy Under-21 side should “send a strong signal to all of Italian football.”

The Azzurrini drew the first leg 1-1 in Slovakia and the decider of their European Under-21 Championship play-off is on Tuesday.

Palermo forward Andrea Belotti said the Italy Under-21 side should “send a strong signal to all of Italian football.”

The Azzurrini drew the first leg 1-1 in Slovakia and the decider of their European Under-21 Championship play-off is on Tuesday.

“It is a very important match and although we can technically qualify with two results, we are only targeting the victory,” Belotti told Radio Anch’Io Lo Sport.

“We could’ve won the first leg too and have the quality to achieve our aims.”

Belotti bagged a brace in Palermo’s spectacular 3-3 draw with Napoli, while Azzurrini teammates Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernardeschi and Virtus Entella’s Cristian Battocchio also impress.

All together, they are nicknamed B4 – an homage to former Fiorentina pair Roberto Baggio and Stefano Borgonovo as B2.

“The secret is the whole group and not just the B4,” insisted Belotti. “From the first day we met, we have tried to work together so everyone’s qualities emerge. Thanks to the Coach and the staff, we’ve been able to improve.”

Belotti hopes more young players can make their way into the starting line-ups of Serie A teams.

“After our performances in the group, I’d say we deserved our opportunity at the top level. Until now clubs have always looked for foreign imports who are already formed, but this Under-21 side should send a strong signal to all of Italian football. We can do well too.”

Picture credit: figc.it

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