Azzurrini - Croatia Match Report
Azzurrini comfortably beat Croatia in U-21 Euro qualification thanks to Acquafresca brace.
Here's the lineup:
Consigli; Motta, Marzoratti (Santacroce 71), Criscito, Rubin; Dessena, Cigarini, Marchisio; Rossi, Acquafresca (Russotto 68), Giovinco (Morosini 87)
Let's start with obligatory anthem head shots.
Capitano Marco Motta smouldering
Giuseppe Rossi looking emo (surprise!).
This game was hosted near his dad's hometown. No doubt the boy was super motivated.
On the other end, Azzurrini defense was solidly marshaled by Mimmo Criscito.
I often like Azzurrini-mode Daniele Dessena cuz he is more aggressively in pushing forward.
Our goalie, Andrea Consigli, was eager to make up to his blunder concede from Faroe Islands game.
Boy of the moment: Robert Acquafresca
Both Empoli MF, Claudio Marchisio, and Azzurrini debutant, Matteo Rubin, did OK. nothing outstanding tho :\
It was also an OK night for MF General, Luca Cigarini.
Too bad, due to suspension, we gotta play against Greece without him directing out midfields :(
Croatia hardly tested our defense. I almost forgot that our CB, Lino Marzoratti, was still on the pitch.
Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Azzurrini Minister of Offense, Sebastian Giovinco.
Early first half was a MF dominated game. It's Croatia first to open up the game.
Consigli was forced to save point blank shots TWICE in a row. Good job, Andrea!
But he couldn't save us the third attempt. However, the goal was disallowed for dangerous play on Cigarini.
(and first attempt looked like an offside to me too)
Azzurrini took the lead late first half by Acquafresca scoring from Beppe Rossi's assist.
Good job and all, but you boys still need to learn an art of proper MANPILING. Roger that?
I think Beppe was all fired up playing in front of his sorta hometown.
He also help MF breaking up one croatia dangerous swift counter. Grazie, Beppe!
Giovinco tried that as well. But he got giallo instead :P Blame it all to his short legs jk jk
Acquafresca extended Azzurrini lead in min 57th from capitano Motta cross.
4 goals in 5 games. Take that BTCHZ !!
Now THIS is better ♥
hai DD
~* LOVE IS ALL AROUND *~
(poor DD was neglected WTF don't worry, he'll get his chance later)
Even when leading 2-0, Azzurrini did not drop back and defend. Giovinco was THIS close to hit the net.
I always criticize Beppe (with ♥, mind you) for being a selfish ballhog.
But boy, when he pulls it off, it was a sight to see. Like here where he dribbled past 5 Croats players!
Beppe almost add his name to scoresheet, thanks to Dessena's assist.
Tho not getting a goal, he got ~consolation~ from Azzurrini resident Teamslut, Dessena, instead XD
Beppe frustrating. DD smirking LOLZ
Acquafresca was later subbed out but Giovinco-Rossi duo continued terrorizing Croatia defense.
Midget Power, Btchz !!
Overall another good game from Smurfini.
Hope they will retain perfect records against Greece this coming Tuesday. Forza Azzurrini !!
BONUS PIXIES
just for the heck of it
mimmo criscito for Juve fans
'Evil' Cigarini LOL
Capitano Motta's thigh for all the pervs out there :P
BONUS SECTION PART II
Cuz I just can't resist.
Parma just has a campaign luring all the toddlers to join famed Parma Academy.
And who can pimp it better than alumnis themselves?
From left to right: Daniele Paponi, Dessena, Marco Rossi, and Cigarini
I saw one pic where Ciga babysitting Parma younginz at Olympico sideline XD
Lucky kid :P
These babies are way too cute XD
Behind the scene
