Italy

Italy emerged triumphant in the second edition of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2003 but have been unable to repeat the feat, although they did reach the final in the Czech Republic two years ago only to lose to an impressive Germany side. Massimo Piscedda's squad swept into the finals this time round, winning their first five games in the qualifying and elite rounds to render a final-day defeat by Russia irrelevant.

Qualifying round: Albania 5-0, San Marino 4-0, Republic of Ireland 2-0 (Group 1 winners)

Elite round: Czech Republic 2-0, Northern Ireland 3-2, Russia 1-3 (Group 5 winners)

Key players
Michelangelo Albertazzi (defender, AC Milan), Jacopo Sala (midfielder, Chelsea FC), Mattia Destro (forward, FC Internazionale Milano), Fabio Borini (forward, Chelsea FC)

Coach: Massimo Piscedda

Date of Birth: 14 March 1962
Nationality: Italian
Playing career: S.S. Lazio, AC Siena, US Sanremese Calcio 1904, Taranto Calcio, US Avellino Calcio, Ascoli Calcio
Coaching career: Italy Under-17, U16, FC Messina Peloro (assistant), Italy U-20, U19, U18

A product of Lazio's youth system, Piscedda made his debut for the capital club in 1983 after loan spells in the lower divisions. Another temporary stint followed at Taranto before he returned to Lazio in 1985, staying for five years and joining first Avellino and then Ascoli Calcio before retiring in 1992. Among Lazio fans Piscedda is still fondy remembered for the cross that led to Fabio Poli's decisive header against Campobasso Calcio in the play-off game to avoid relegation to Serie C at the end of 1986/87.

In 2001 Piscedda was hired by the Italian Football Federation, initially taking over as coach of the Under-17 and U16 sides. He then became assistant to Paolo Berrettini at U18 and U19 level, helping the latter become European champions in 2003. In 2006 he returned to club football, working as assistant to another former Lazio player, Bruno Giordano, at Serie A side Messina. The experience proved brief and he swiftly resumed his international career with first the U20 team and then the U19s.

Team records

Qualifying top scorer
Mattia Destro: 8

UEFA European Under-19 Championship best
Winners 2003
Runners-up 2008

Honours in UEFA youth competitions
UEFA European Under-18 Championship
Runners-up 1986, 1995, 1999
UEFA European Under-16 Championship
Winners 1982
Runners-up 1986, 1993, 1998