Tournament hosts Italy are again in action at the UEFA Under-21 Euros on Wednesday with a crunch clash with Poland set to have a huge hand in deciding Group A (Sky Sports, kick-off: 20:00 BST).
The Azzurri swept aside a Spanish outfit packed full of talent in their first match of the pool when coming from behind to win 3-1. Poland did the same to Belgium but were far less comfortable in earning a 3-2 victory.
There is a real opportunity here for this tournament to help change attitudes in Italian football.
It’s well known this country hasn’t always been willing to give chances in the senior squad to talented youngsters, but that Spain victory should have Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini taking notice.
Eight of the roster assembled by Under-21s counterpart Luigi Di Biagio have full international caps already, so it’s work in progress.
Two of those, Fiorentina winger Federico Chiesa and Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, scored the goals that took Italy past Spain so stylishly.
With home advantage, the standout 47/20 available at 888Sport on an Azzurri victory but Poland also scoring is splendid value.
Group openers promise goals at both ends
This is because the Polish defence have conceded goals in their last four matches but haven’t failed to hit the target either.
Big things are expect of two Poland youth players owned by Italian clubs. Prolific Under-21 striker Dawid Kownacki is on Sampdoria’s books and joined Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan in January.
Fiorentina owned midfielder Szymon Zurkowski, meanwhile, got the first goal in the 3-2 comeback over Belgium and should be playing in Serie A with the Florence outfit next term.
The deeper squad belongs to Italy though, with attacking trio Moise Kean, Patrick Cutrone and Chiesa all dangers for that Polish defence to worry about.
Getting a handle on things in midfield also looks tough for Poland. The Azzurri have an array of bright prospects in the middle of the park, including Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barrella and Pellegrini’s Roma teammate Nicolo Zaniolo.
Italy Under-21s can be got at defensively, however, as they let in seven goals in their last five matches only keeping one clean sheet in that time.
Bet of the Day: 47/20 with 888Sport, Italy to beat Poland and BTTS at the Under-21 Euros.