Rivals find reasons for optimism

The goalless Group A draw between Italy and Serbia in Helsingborg left both coaches wanting more. The Azzurrini's Pierluigi Casiraghi demanded a better end product to his team's good work outside the final third of the pitch; Slobodan Krcmarević of Serbia simply hoped for further performances of the quality of his side's second-half showing.

Pierluigi Casiraghi, Italy coach
It was a tough game, really close, between two well-matched teams. We had a few chances when we were in the ascendancy in the first half, and then again during a period of the second. We played well overall. But Serbia had a great spell towards the end where they might have scored. Tactically, we did well. Our final ball was missing, though, so there is room for improvement. We'll certainly have to improve our play in the last third of the pitch against a physical Sweden side next time out. Sweden are a really good team, and with Rasmus Elm and Marcus Berg hitting form, they have really come on. In fact, all eight teams are top quality, so it's likely to be an even tournament. There are six more points to play for in the group. Yes, Sweden are two up on us after the first matchday [after defeating Belarus], but I think we and Serbia will be challenging right until the end of the group.

Slobodan Krcmarević, Serbia coach
First of all, I want to congratulate our captain, Milan Smiljanić, who was a real leader tonight. Then, I can only say nice words about my team, who were very strong and showed a lot of character. Italy had the better of the first half, but we sorted ourselves out at half-time and changed things around a bit. After that, we had most of the chances – Nenad Tomović, Gojko Kačar off the post, then Zoran Tošić. Italy had just the one opportunity for Sebastian Giovinco. It was a good performance. I had said it was possible that this game could also be the final, and after tonight I would say an Italy-Serbia final could yet be a reality. Our target man, Filip Djordević, is injured and has gone home. But Tošić and Miralem Sulejmani are very good players and, anyway, our style of play is short passes into empty space which I think will work for us in this tournament. I expected Sweden to win today because they are very good and Marcus Berg is very strong. I've said many times that Sweden are one of the favourites – they are fresher because they didn't play qualifiers, a big advantage, and they are also at home.