International Soccer: U-21ers draw Italy for Euros

"We're not afraid of any team," coach Moti Ivanir said.

By ALLON SINAI
Israel soccer 224.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Israel soccer 224.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Israel's under-21 team will need to get past Italy if it's to reach a second straight European Championships. Moti Ivanir's side will visit the Azzurini on October 11/12 and will host the return leg four days later. The exact date of the matches will be confirmed later this week. "We're not afraid of any team," Ivanir said after seeing Swedish striker Henrik Larsson pairing his team with Italy in the draw in Malmo on Friday. "We've already proven ourselves and the most important thing is that we believe in our chances. Italy played in the Olympics and has players from Serie A in its squad. It may sound scary to face Italy, but we will prepare for the matches and we will be ready." Italy, which lost 3-2 to Belgium in the quarterfinals in Beijing, is a five-time European U-21 champion and advanced unbeaten through Group 1, winning seven and drawing three of its 10 qualifiers. The side is guided by former Italy international Pierluigi Casiraghi, whose top-quality squad includes, among others, Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco, Inter Milan starlet Mario Baloteli and Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi.