Two nations chasing European Cup glory will do battle today in a match between Italy and Portugal. The Under-21 European Cup match scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at City Stadium in Uherske Hradiste and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPN Deportes.
What They're Saying
Portugal head coach Rui Jorge (via UEFA): "I really think we played well against a very strong opponent [England]. In their last 17 matches they had managed to score every single time. It was the first time they failed to score in their campaign and that says a lot about our performance. Of course we were a bit lucky in certain moments, but in my opinion we enjoyed a good game against a very difficult opponent."
Italy head coach Luigi Di Biagio (via UEFA): "We shouldn't have lowered the rhythm and intensity; that was something to avoid [against Sweden]. We also had to be more clinical and confident in attack; we usually do better. [Domenico] Berardi played well, especially in the first half, and [Andrea] Belotti did a tremendous job in attack. We need to improve our game management and find the net when we have a chance to close off a game. Sweden won because they are very good. They didn't give up, and that changed the match."
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Bernardo Silva carried his club form to the Under-21 Euros. In 32 appearances with Monaco last season, the 20-year-old finished with nine goals and three assists.
Italy's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Bardi; Biraghi, Bianchetti, Rugani, Zappacosta; Cataldi, Viviani, Benassi; Bernardeschi, Belotti, Berardi
Portugal's Projected Lineup (4-3-1-2): Sa; Guerreiro, Ilori, Oliveira, Esgaio; Oliveira, Carvalho, Mario; Silva; Cavaleiro, Pereira
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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