England under-21s do Italian job
Nugent gives Engalnd hope
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Thursday, 14, Jun 2007 10:21
England have retained hopes of qualifying for the semi-final stages of the European under-21 Championship after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Italy.
Following calls from manager Stuart Pearce for an improved performance after a 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic in the opening fixture, England started buoyantly, bombarding the Italian goal with a number of shots.
Leroy Lita was particularly profligate in the opening stages however, squandering two gilt-edged chances, including a clear-cut open-goal chance.
Sunderland target David Nugent gave England a well-deserved lead after 26 minutes, heading expertly beyond the Italian goalkeeper from a well-placed Leighton Baines cross.
And Lita was to make amends moments later after a prolonged spell of England pressure, smashing the ball into the net with his left foot from ten yards after a perfectly weighted through-ball from Ashley Young.
But Italy gave themselves a chance of fighting back after Giorgio Chiellini fortuitously pulled a goal back before half-time, nudging home from close distance from a free-kick.
In the second-half, the Pierluigi Casiraghi-managed Italian side came to life, dominating possession and enjoying the lion's share of chances, with Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi fashioning a number of opportunities.
An inevitable equaliser was scored by Alberto Aquilani in the 69th minute, with the 22-year-old Roma player restoring parity with a sweet shot from long range.
Pearce praised his side's work ethic after the match, opining that England had every chance of qualifying for the semi-finals when they play Serbia in the final group match on Sunday.