Casiraghi calls on Azzurrini to attack

Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is calling for his players to maintain the momentum they built up in battling back from two goals down against England as they prepare to face the Czech Republic, bidding to keep their UEFA European Under-21 Championship aspirations alive.

Slow starters
The Azzurrini are the most successful side in the competition's history having won five of the last eight finals, but a return of one point from their first two Group B games has left their hopes of a sixth crown hanging by a thread. Even victory against the Czechs in Arnhem might not be enough for Casiraghi's team, who will be eliminated if England overcome Serbia, although a point would suffice should the section winners prevail in Nijmegen. Casiraghi is staying positive and points to Thursday's 2-2 draw with England for inspiration, saying: "We played a great second half, in both a physical and a football sense.

'Spirit and willpower'
"We'll have to start again from that point, in terms of the spirit and willpower in coming back to get a good result, trying to win despite the fact that we were two goals down," continued the Italy coach, whose side met their opponents in a friendly last November, which finished goalless. "This is the team we have to be against the Czechs. They're a strong, tough, physical team who fight for every ball and look to counterattack. They have some quality players, they're difficult to play against. Serbia and England had many problems creating chances against them because they keep the defence and midfield very close together. They never give too much space away."

Attacking approach
Casiraghi's Czech counterpart Ladislav Škorpil will also be drawing on knowledge garnered from that autumn friendly in Frosinone, explaining: "That experience can help us. It was a pretty good match and we played quality football, so we know how to play against Italy." With victory essential for the Czechs, Škorpil - whose side failed to score in their first two games - is promising an adventurous approach: "We always want to play attacking football and score goals. In our matches so far we tried to keep the ball and press our opponents but we have to do more if we want to beat Italy. We will try to be as attacking as possible."

New dilemma
The Czech campaign has been undermined by a succession of injuries, with Michal Kadlec the latest doubt. Though the problem is easing coach Škorpil admits it has been a major obstacle. "We started the tournament as if we were the Red Cross," he said. "Now the situation is different; when you have all the players available it's difficult to choose the right lineup. It may be a question for the computer." Škorpil believes his men have already exceeded expectation regardless of the result against Italy, concluding: "Just being at this tournament is a success, so if we progress further it's a bonus. And if we play like in the first two matches and lose it isn't an unsuccessful tournament, because we played very well and did our best. Each step forward is a success to me."