Italy topped their Under-21 European Championship group and Coach Devis Mangia praised the squad. “They all did well.”
Italy topped their Under-21 European Championship group and Coach Devis Mangia praised the squad. “They all did well.”
The Azzurrini needed a point against Norway to be sure of finishing top of Group A and had gone 1-0 down at the 90th minute to a soft penalty, but Andrea Bertolacci snatched a last-gasp equaliser.
“We wouldn’t have deserved defeat and in fact we avoided that fate,” Mangia told Rai Sport.
“We barely ran any risks before that penalty. We bring home the point, as we never gave up and deserved the draw.”
Italy had already qualified for the semi-final and fielded a completely revamped team.
“I had no doubts that I could count on every single member of the squad. The lads were motivated and all worked very hard, so I am happy despite conceding our first goal of the tournament.
“Everyone has now played apart from the two reserve goalkeepers and they all did well.”
Italy will now face the runners-up in Group B, who will be either Spain or Holland.