Italy U21 wasted a two-goal lead but put in a convincing performance in a 2-2 draw against France U21 in Empoli on Friday. Check out the player ratings.
Italy U21 Player Ratings
Desplanches 7.5 – The Palermo keeper made two excellent saves before being subbed off during the break. First on a Rayan Cherki free-kick and then deflecting Loum Tchaouna’s shot on the crossbar (46’ Zacchi 7)
Kayode 5—Too focused on attacking duties, he was out of position when France scored twice in the second half.
Coppola 6 – Solid defensively with two crucial blocks in the first half, but was too soft on Bonny at the edge of the box when France scored the equaliser.
Pirola 6.5 – Like Coppola, he was nearly perfect in the first half but struggled to cope with the opponents’ counter-attacks after the break. Subbed off due to a minor injury. (72’ Bertola 6).
Ruggeri 6.5 – Contributed to Casadei’s opening goal with a decisive forward run on the left wing.
Ndour 7 – Outstanding in the first hour with excellent quality in the middle of the park. The PSG loanee, now at Besiktas, lost passing accuracy in the second part of the match, but it was still a convincing performance.
Prati 5.5 – Solid defensive display, but just 83% passing accuracy.
Casadei 7.5 – Scored his third goal with Italy U21 and created at least two-goal scoring opportunities after the break.
Volpato 8 – Assisted Ambrosino with a lovely pass after a stunning solo action. Lively in attack and always dangerous in one-v-one situations. (60’ Fabbian 6).
Gnonto 6 – Had two chances to score Italy’s third goal early in the second half. One shot was off target, while French keeper Restes saved the other one. (73’ Miretti 6).
Ambrosino 8 – Scored his first goal for Italy U21 and fought hard against France’s physically imposing defenders. Fantastic backheel assist for Casadei. (60’ Pio Esposito 5.5)
N’Doure can play, however, he prefers to take life easy in midfield, and doesn’t try a yard!! Outstanding..no.
Casadei isn’t a midfielder and should be made a strike or false 9. Pirola too slow. Prati, an excellent player, is positioned too deep.
This manager doesn’t have what Euro championship winning managers at U19 Bollini and Fave U17 both have – he cannot read a game and make the correct changes in time. Italy, though they have a good squad, won’t win next year with Nunciato at the helm.
Where are Luis Hasa and Samuel
Vignato from the winning U19 Italy (2023) team, as well as the excellent right full back Missouri and the two excellent center backs cousins of A. Dellavalle and L. Dellavalle???