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意大利首战背景资料 Danish tussles provide positive memories
Italy and Denmark renew an old rivalry when they face off in Aveiro on the opening day of fixtures in UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B. The two countries have met six times in this competition stretching back more than 14 years and their matches have always been a precursor to an Italian victory in the tournament, while Denmark are yet to defeat Italy. • The teams first came into opposition in the 1992 semi-finals, then played over two legs. The Azzurrini took control with an away win in the first match in Aalborg Ost, Renato Buso scoring in the first half, before second-leg strikes from Buso and Roberto Muzzi wrapped up a 3-0 aggregate success. Italy went on to beat Sweden 2-1 in a two-legged final. • Italy next encountered the Danes in qualifying round Group 1 in the 1998/00 competition. Once more Italy prevailed, triumphing 2-1 away despite Dennis Rommedahl giving Denmark an early lead, with Andrea Pirlo and Nicola Ventola turning the tie around. The return finished 3-1 to the Italian hosts thanks to Francesco Coco, Ventola and a Morten Petersen own goal, and Italy again lifted the trophy with a 2-1 final victory against the Czech Republic. • Italy inflicted more Danish misery in the final play-offs for the 2004 competition, though at least on this occasion the Scandinavian side escaped defeat. The first leg in Farum ended 1-1, Thomas Kahlenberg putting the home team ahead only for Stephan Andersen's own goal to restore parity. That proved crucial as a goalless second-leg draw sent Italy into the finals in Germany, where again they carried off first prize with a 3-0 final elimination of Serbia and Montenegro. • The nations have never met competitively at either U17 or U19 level, though in senior football they played one another in qualifying for the 1982 FIFA World Cup with each winning at home. Remarkably, it once more proved a good omen for Italy as they went on to claim glory in Spain. Italy also won 2-0 in the 1988 UEFA European Championship finals and overcame Denmark twice in UEFA EURO 2000™ qualifying. However, their last meeting will provoke different memories: a goalless draw at UEFA EURO 2004™ helping ensure the Azzurri failed to advance beyond the group stage while the Danes reached the quarter-finals. ©uefa.com 1998-2006. All rights reserved.
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发表于 2006-5-15 01:24:35
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