A goal in two games, albeit friendly, is the meager September balance of the Italian Under 21 team.
After the 0-2 suffered by England in Pescara, with Japan - at the Patini stadium in Castel di Sangro - it ended 1-1.
"I saw a good first half - commented coach Paolo Nicolato to Raisport microphones - Then we dropped physically, but I liked the spirit of the team against a strong opponent. Up to 30 meters we are there, we need to improve as well. these are the matches we need. It is important to face certain difficulties now in order to be ready in June ", when the European championship will take place.
The momentary advantage came in the 39th minute, with the first shot on target defended by Sasaki.
A fairly random goal, born from a mistake by Handa who missed the control in the area and allowed Lorenzo Colombo to fly left.
In truth, until that moment Nicolato hadn't seemed very happy with him.
After a good start, the pace dropped considerably, and - with the exception of Udogie, active on the left wing - the Italians had raced a lot on the rain-soaked lawn, but with little incisiveness.
Few verticalizations, forwards often served with their backs to the goal, conclusions with a dropper.
Before Colombo's goal, in the 36th minute, Japan was dangerous with shots from Hosoya and Saito.
Upon returning, the guests threw themselves forward and after ten minutes they equalized with the header of the newly entered Fujio, from a corner kick.
Previously Caprile had foiled a raid in the Saito area.
The many substitutions of the second half, on both sides, helped to lower the pace, without adding much.
For Italy - from the intermittent game, with long pauses and flashes of vivacity - Colombo still had the best opportunity (32 '), but Sasaki deflected his central shot over the crossbar.