U.21: Italy one point from the European Championship, now Ireland

The first match point is gone, the second can't wait.

The Italy Under 21, after having won in Luxembourg and drawn in Sweden, will play at home the day after tomorrow for direct qualification to the final phase of the European category, which will be played next year in Romania and Georgia.

Appointment at 5.30 pm, on the ground of the Cino and Lillo Del Duca stadium in Ascoli Piceno, against the Republic of Ireland, a determined and thirsty opponent for points.

At least one point will be needed to qualify for the Azzurri, since they lead the standings with 21 points and the Irish follow at 19.

    To play the charge, less than two days before the match, is the captain Samuele Ricci.

"I feel like a leader in this team, like others who have been here for more years than those who have recently joined - his words -. The impulse to do better and better must come from us: we must be the ones to charge" .

    Returning to the challenge in Sweden, Ricci admits that the approach could have been "better", because "from how it seemed, we went in a bit stunned: I don't know the reasons, then we recovered, we played a very good game and we could have done better".

"We had to be more cynical under the goal - he adds - to better realize the opportunities: in the end we had many. We need to do better from this point of view. In any case, no fear".

    As for Ireland, "it is a very physical team, with good individualities, but we must not be afraid, because we are Italy and we have quality. We must impose our game, with ball possession we can give a hard time .

    The Ascoli fans can help us, because when you have a full stadium, with people cheering for you, at certain points in the match they can give you more. "