Sebastian Giovinco be a Star in Italy Under-21s

Sebastian Giovinco was on the scoresheet as Italy Under-21s continued their preparations for this summer’s European Championships with 1-1 friendly draw with Holland Under-21s in Kerkrade.

The Azzurrini were almost back to full strength after a younger outfit had drawn 2-2 with Austria last week. Sebastian Giovinco, Mario Balotelli and Robert Acquafresca forged a fearsome-looking trident, while Inter wonderkid Davide Santon made his Under-21 debut.

First Half

There was a rather uneventful start to the game, and it took until midway through the half for either side to register a shot on goal. Incredibly this resulted in a goal, as Holland right back Gianni Zuiverloon’s cross from the left was headed home by Siem De Jong, with goalkeeper Andrea Consigli left in no-man’s land.

It could have been 2-0 five minutes later as Urby Emanuelson slipped through Roy Beerens, but his first touch was heavy, allowing Consigli to come out and gather. Beerens wasted another opening soon after, as he blazed horribly over, following a lightning counter attack.

It took until the 35th minute for Italy to conjure up an effort, as Giovinco left his man for dead down the left, cut inside before unleashing a rocket that was brilliantly turned around the post by Piet Velthuizen.

There was controversy minutes later, as Giovinco cut past two men in the box, before going down under the challenge of Zuiverloon, but the referee turned away the penalty appeals.

Italy finally found the equaliser bang on half time. Balotelli’s free kick was charged down, and Giovinco’s snap-shot from the edge of the box nestled into the bottom corner of the net.

Second Half

Giovinco was the first to threaten in the second half, but he was unable to get a decisive touch at the neat post from Dessena's cross.

The Dutch made a whole host of substitutions, and one of those introduced, Kees Luijckx, whipped a free kick over the bar. Giovinco did the same down the other end.

Holland started to press more, with Luijckx, and another replacement Diego Biseswar, firing over.

Italy missed a golden chance to take the lead on 75 minutes, as Wisgerhof's poor header released Acquafresca through on goal, but the Cagliari hitman's finish was very disappointing.

Santon had impressed on his debut, and his vicious half-volley flashed wide. Giovinco then embarked on a mesmerising solo run, beating three players before being stopped by the last defender.

The game finished 1-1, in what probably proved to be a fair result. The standout players on the pitch were Emanuelson, Beerens, Marchisio and Giovinco.

Teams

Holland U-21: Velthuizen (Vermeer 46); Zuiverloon (Verhagen 66), Wielaert, Wisgerhof, Pieters; De Jong (Fer 46), Meeuwis, Emanuelson (Luijckx 59); Beerens (Biseswar 46), Van Wolfswinkel (Poepon 79); Elia (Amrabat 46)

Italy U-21: Consigli; Santon, Santacroce, Marzorati, Criscito; Dessena (De Silvestri 63), Cigarini (Candreva 44), Marchisio (Morosini 88); Giovinco (Di Gennaro 88), Balotelli (Poli 75), Acquafresca.

Goals

De Jong 21 (H)
Giovinco 45 (I)