Gigi Di Biagio warned his Italy Under-21 side they can’t “leave the game in the balance” after a 1-0 win over Slovenia.

This was the Azzurrini’s first match in qualifying for the 2017 European Championships and they hit the woodwork twice along with a series of saves.

“It was a good Italy in the second half, but before the break we played with too slow a tempo,” the Coach told Rai Sport.

Gigi Di Biagio warned his Italy Under-21 side they can’t “leave the game in the balance” after a 1-0 win over Slovenia.

This was the Azzurrini’s first match in qualifying for the 2017 European Championships and they hit the woodwork twice along with a series of saves.

“It was a good Italy in the second half, but before the break we played with too slow a tempo,” the Coach told Rai Sport.

“We changed gear and really should’ve had at least one more goal. I am happy when we create chances and go clear on goal, but it’s only natural we have to take them, as otherwise it’s dangerous to leave the game in the balance.”

Italy had 17 attempts on goal, of which eight were on target, compared to five total efforts by Slovenia.

“This new group has started well, but we need to improve our standard of football. I won’t forget, mind you, that almost all the lads ended the game with cramp.”

In Group 2, Slovenia (three games) and the Republic of Ireland (two) have six points, followed by Italy (one) and Andorra (four) on three, while Serbia (one) and Lithuania (three) have one each.

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