Novi Sad, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO, September 9 (uefa.com) - Italy's hopes of qualifying from UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 9 suffered a significant setback as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to second-placed Serbia and Montenegro in Novi Sad.
The result meant that the Italians failed to collect the point they needed to assure themselves of top place in the section. With one game to go, they hold a two-point advantage over Serbia and Montenegro, who end their qualifying campaign with an away game against Wales on 10 October. Italy take on the group's bottom side, Azerbaijan, the same night.
Having brushed aside the Welsh on Friday, recording an 8-1 success, Italy kicked off in buoyant mood in front of 5,000 supporters. However, they began sluggishly, with Danko Lazovic and Andrija Delibasic both going close. Italy did fall behind a minute before the half-hour, when midfield player Dejan Milovanovic gave the home side the lead.
The visitors struggled to get back on level terms, and Matteo Brighi and Gaetano D'Agostino were both denied by Serbo-Montenegrin goalkeeper Vladimir Disljenkovic. The home side held on despite the 89th-minute dismissal of defender Nikola Mijailovic for a second bookable offence, while Italy also ended the match with ten men after goalkeeper Marco Amelia was shown the red card in the final minute.
Current Standings
games points
1. Italy 7 18
2. SM 7 16
3. Finland 8 11
4. Wales 7 7
5. Azerbaijan 7 0
