European Under-21 Championships, Italy overturns Montenegro

A comeback victory debut for Silvio Baldini on the bench of the Under-21 team. At the Picco Stadium in La Spezia, Italy beat Montenegro 2-1 in the first match of Group E qualifying for the upcoming European Championships.

The Azzurrini were nonexistent in the first half and the hosts took the lead after four minutes through Kostic, who beat Mascardi by taking advantage of a misunderstanding between Idrissi and Lipani.

In the 52nd minute the equalizer with Lipani, who right-footed the ball past goalkeeper Domazetovic. The winning goal came in the 79th minute on a penalty awarded for Perovic’s foul on Raimondo, from the penalty spot Koleosho converted.

“I am happy because the boys deserved a win with all the effort they put in these days. Victories help you grow and have confidence,” Baldini told RaiSport microphones.

“We are Italy and these victories need to be collected but with a more convincing path. We need to have a better turn of the ball between midfielders and strikers. Now best wishes to Gattuso, I hope he can transmit his grit to the players and Italy will certainly play a great game and win.”