Colombi seeks Italy response

Italy goalkeeper Simone Colombi has called on his team-mates to respond positively to losing their opening UEFA European Under-19 Championship encounter to Portugal by taking three points against Croatia in Wednesday's encounter in Mondeville.

Despite producing a bright start in Sunday's Group B game against the Portuguese, the ten-man Azzurrini eventually succumbed to a 2-0 defeat with Nélson and Sérgio Oliveira netting in the second half for Ilídio Vale's side. "We had an excellent start and created more chances than they did," Colombi explained. "However, in the second half our attitude was different and unfortunately we immediately conceded, which took the wind out of our sails. Then came their second, which was a great goal and that wrapped up the match."

The 2003 winners – who collected five wins from six qualifying games en route to this year's finals – next face tournament debutants Croatia who themselves suffered an opening day defeat to Spain. Speaking to UEFA.com ahead of the game, the Atalanta BC player explained: "We need to go out with a very proactive approach in order to win that match. Portugal were a good team but we're also very good and can get into advanced positions. We need to focus on winning and from there we'll take it as it comes."

Colombi – who has also represented Italy at Under-16 and U17 level – spent last season on loan at U.S. Pergocrema 1932 in the Italian third tier and is hoping to bring that experience into his country's remaining fixtures in France. "We need to be thinking positively not only on Wednesday but also against the Spanish on Saturday," he said.