A spectacular Lorenzo Colombo volley was not enough for the Italy Under-21 side, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan in today’s friendly.
The Azzurrini had a negative break for international duty, having lost 2-1 to England on Thursday afternoon.
Coach Paolo Nicolato’s boys have qualified for next year’s European Under-21 Championship, but need to improve after these performances.
Milan-owned Colombo, who is on loan at Lecce this season, scored a stunning volley to put Italy in front, but that was cancelled out by Fusho’s header after the break.
Esposito saw his goal ruled offside and a Colombo header was well saved.
Juventus midfielder Fabio Miretti pulled out due to an ankle sprain and did not feature.
Italy 1-1 Japan
Colombo 39 (I), Fusho 55 (J)
Italy U21: Caprile; Pirola, Scalvini (Canestrelli 63), Viti (Ruggeri 89); Bellanova (Cambiaso 46); Fagioli, Vignato (Bove 63), Rovella (Ranocchia 81), Udogie (Parisi 46); Esposito (Cambiaghi 63), Colombo (Moro 81)
they need to be winning games like these