Gigi Di Biagio admits Italy were lucky to fight back and beat Serbia 3-2, but “we mustn’t lower our guard against Cyprus.”
Gigi Di Biagio admits Italy were lucky to fight back and beat Serbia 3-2, but “we mustn’t lower our guard against Cyprus.”
Qualification for the European Under-21 Championship play-offs is within reach after the Azzurrini came back from 2-0 down for a 3-2 victory in Pescara last night.
“It was a game of suffering and after a bad start we were in total chaos,” Coach Di Biagio told Rai Sport.
“We managed to get it back on track and created many scoring opportunities. We need to play better, but this was a complicated match.
“The lads gave their all and I had no doubts on that front. Even if the result had not gone our way, I would’ve said the same on their efforts.”
Andrea Belotti bagged a brace before Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi fired in a long-range strike to win it.
“Berardi alternated good things with less good moments, but he can give us a lot and proved that with the goal.”
Italy are now second in Group 9 with 15 points from seven games, ahead of Serbia on 13. Belgium are top with 16 points, but have already played all eight fixtures.
That means as long as the Azzurrini beat Cyprus on Tuesday, they will go through to the Euro play-offs. A draw or defeat could allow Serbia to leapfrog both of them with their trip to Northern Ireland.
“I am satisfied, as this is the first step to climbing up high. However, we must remember that we haven’t achieved anything yet. It is just that first step.
“We mustn’t lower our guard against Cyprus. We cannot go into that game thinking it will be a walk in the park.”