Pazzini impatient for goals

Despite Italy's progress to the last four of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, for Giampaolo Pazzini there has been something missing: a goal.

'Not fully satisfied'
The 19-year-old striker struck twice in the qualifying round but has yet to find the net here in Liechtenstein. He said: "In general terms I'm fairly satisfied although not fully. I could have done more especially in front of goal. Maybe I could have scored a goal in the game against Portugal but I hope to play an important part in the semi-final."

Team spirit
Italy reached the semi-finals as Group A winners following victories over Norway and Liechtenstein and a draw with Portugal. According to Pazzini, their success is due in part to the spirit among the players. "I think we are all proud of the fact we are a close group - over the last few years we've become friends first and team-mates second," he explained. "Our relationship is strong outside the team and we all get on well."

Room for improvement
Pazzini partnered Empoli FC's Francesco Lodi in the Italy attack in their first two games - supported by the AS Roma playmaker Alberto Aquilani - but he dropped to the bench for Sunday's match against Liechtenstein. Asked his strengths, he said: "I think I am a main striker with good ability in the air and decent skills. I have some technical weaknesses but I'd rather not say too much. I think I need to improve my strength and physical power above all. I've still got a lot to improve."

Atalanta prospect
Born in Tuscany, he is one of three players in the Italy squad from the renowned youth system at Atalanta BC, together with Mauro Belotti and Gabriele Perico. A fourth player, Simone Padoin, recently left the Bergamo club for Vicenza FC. "I was 14 when I left home for Atalanta," he said. "It's been a very positive experience. Atalanta have always had a very good youth system, developing a lot of young players. There's a great atmosphere where you can just get on with your work.

Hopes for new season
"I played for the youth team last season and was on the bench for the first team. I will start the new season with the seniors. It's an important year for me, the first with the first team, and I hope to be an important figure, to make some appearances and maybe score some important goals." An important goal here in Liechtenstein would surely help him on his way.