Italy’s Under 21 side drew 1-1 with Slovakia in Zlate Moravce after the first leg of their European Championship playoff.
Luigi Di Biagio’s side created a host of good chances but failed to make the most of their fine attacking play.
Andrea Belotti put the Azzurrini ahead early in the second half, only for Adam Zrelak to cancel out the strike with an accurate angled drive 15 minutes later.
The first half started well for Italy. Federico Bernardeschi’s early shot was easily held by keeper Dobrijov Rusov and was soon followed by a half chance for Andrea Belotti, with the Slovakian keeper out quickly to push ball away from the feet of the Italian striker.
The home side did try to stretch the Italians, concentrating their attacks down Italy’s left side and had their first real effort on 17 minutes. A shot by Ivan Schranz, just inside the Italy 18 yard box, flashed past Francesco Bardi’s left hand post.
Slovakia gained confidence, controlling possession but Italy went close again with Belotti on 33 minutes. The Palermo forward was through on goal but was out-muscled by the home team defence just as he was poised to shoot and his effort went over the bar.
The Italians dominated the final 15 minutes and could have scored from two corners, Christian Battocchio sending his header only inches over the bar and Berardi scuffing a shot wide from just outside the box.
On the stroke of half time, the Italy number 10 had the best opportunity of the half. The Sassuolo frontman found himself inside the Slovakia area, sold centre back Dionatan Teixeira a dummy, but couldn’t get the ball past the onrushing Rusov.
Italy began the second half confidently, creating another chance but Rusov was quickly off his line to block Belotti’s strike. However, on 54 minutes, the striker was not to be denied as he finally broke the deadlock from close range, after a flick-on from a Berardi’s corner.
Slovakia raised the tempo of the game and had a huge shout for a penalty on 58 minutes. Federico Viviani seemed to control the ball in the area with his hand but referee Dias Soares Artur judged the touch to have been accidental and play continued, much to the chagrin of the home fans.
The pressure finally did pay off as forward Adam Zrelak rolled Atalanta’s Davide Zappacosta after receiving a long pass and angled his shot from just outside the area past Bardi for 1-1 on 69 minutes.
The Italy stopper was again called into action minutes later, calmly catching a long range effort as Slovakia looked for a second goal. With the Italians tiring, the home team looked the most likely to score, Italy having to soak up wave after wave of attacks.
But with only a minute remaining on the clock, substitute Samuele Longo missed a glorious chance, fluffing a volley from just outside the six yard box as Italy launched a rare counter attack.
The game ended 1-1 with the return leg to be played next Tuesday in Reggio Emilia.
