19 June 2015
During Thursday’s solitary international action involving the Bianconeri, Italy Under-21s, featuring Stefano Sturaro among their ranks, were defeated 2-1 by Sweden in their opening Group B game of this year's European Championships.
The Azzurrini had initially taken the lead at the Andruv Stadion when Alexander Milosevic was sent off for a foul on Andrea Belotti in the Swedes’ box, allowing Domenico Berardi to convert the spot-kick just shy of the half-hour mark.
Despite being down to ten men, Sweden came out in the second half with more purpose and equalised on 56 minutes through John Guidetti who steered home after Italy had failed to clear a corner.
Bianconeri midfielder Sturaro then saw red for Luigi di Biagio’s side, before Kiese Thelin completed the Swedish comeback on 85 minutes, sending Francesco Bardi the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Elsewhere in the group, Portugal, who face Italy at the Stadion Miroslava Valenty on Sunday, overcame England 1-0 to go second behind Sweden.
Tonight sees Arturo Vidal’s Chile in action, with the Copa America hosts facing Bolivia at the Estadio Nacional de Chile from 00.30 CEST.
A victory for La Roja, who currently sit top of Group A, would see them take their place in the competition’s knockout phase which kicks off next Wednesday.
