Italy U21 1–0 Romania U21 Player Ratings: Baldanzi’s Goal Gives the Azzurri’s a Winning Start in the U21 Euros

Italy got the 3 points to kickstart their campaign with a 1-0 win over Romania. Tommaso Baldanzi was the difference as he took his strike with aplomb midway through the first half. The Euro U21 game was an even contest with both sides playing attacking football. The Romania National Football Team had a golden chance to level things after winning a penalty on the stroke of half-time, but Munteanu's strike was excellently saved by Desplanches. Romania thought they equalised via Stoica, but his goal was disallowed for offside. This could have been the turning point in the game, but Romania's luck didn't favor them. Mitrov had a golden chance towards the end, but he scuffed his shot wide before the final whistle gave Italy the three points. Here are the Italy U21 National Football Team vs Romania U21 National Football Team Player Ratings.

Italy U21 National Football Team Player Ratings

GK- Sebastiano Desplanches- 6.5/10

Two crucial stops towards the end of the first half. An excellent stop to deny Romania an equalizer right on the stroke of half-time.

RB- Mattia Zanotti- 5.5/10

Did not provide much in terms of attack, but was more than a match defensively. Won all his aerial duels and made 2 clearances as well.

RCB- Daniele Ghilardi- 6/10

He was a reliable source of possession as he kept the ball ticking from the back. Also attempted to switch the play, but had limited success in doing so.

LCB- Lorenzo Pirola- 6.5/10

The skipper was a rock in defense. Mad2 big blocks, won almost all his aerial duels, and ventured forward with the ball more often than not. Had a golden chance to make it 2-0, but his open header went wide of the target.

LB- Matteo Ruggeri- 6.5/10

The full-back had excellent link-up play with Baldanzi as he created the opening goal with a well-judged pass for the latter to score. Had success in switching the play from one flank to another.

RCM- Giovanni Fabbian- 6/10

Extremely robust in defense, as he put all his tenacity to use. Was proficient both aerially and on the ground, having won 5 out of 6 ground duels and 3 out of 5 aerial duels. Also kept the ball ticking nicely in midfield.

CM- Matteo Prati- 6/10

Very dependable in possession in the face of the Romanian press. He also tried to make the diagonal pass and ended up having a 50% success rate for the same.

LCM- Cher Ndour-5/10

Was having a good game and had a couple of shots that went off target. Almost shot himself in the foot as his clumsy attempt at a clearance gifted Romania a penalty. Should be thankful to the keeper for saving his blushes.

RF- Tommaso Baldanzi- 7.5/10

Italy's best player on the night. He was given a free role and made the most of it. Constantly drifted into pockets of space, making it difficult for the Romanian defenders to mark him. This was crucial as he ghosted into space in the box before taking his goal well with a sumptuous strike.

ST- Wilfried Gnonto- 5/10

The Leeds man was unusually quiet compared to the rest of his attacking teammates. He had a couple of touches here and there, but that was not enough to make a major impact on the game. Was subbed at the hour mark.

LF- Luca Koleosho- 5.5/10

The Burnley man was full of running and energy as he ran the channel on the left wing. Drifted into central areas time and time again. Should have made it 2-0 in the first half, but he was unfortunate to see his shot crash off the post. Subbed at the hour mark.

Sub- Giuseppe Ambrosino- 5/10

Brought in to protect his side's lead. Did his job well.

Sub- Cesare Casadei- 5/10

Brought in to protect his side's lead. Did his job well.

Sub- Michael Kayode- N/A

Late sub. Did not have time to make an impact.

Sub- Niccolo Pisili- N/A

Late sub. Did not have time to make an impact.

Manager- Carmine Nunziata- 7/10

Got the win and the 3 points. Made the right team choices, and they came through with a polished performance.

Romania U21 National Football Team Player Ratings

GK- Răzvan Sava- 5.5/10

Was the reason for the score being 1-0 for so long? An excellent save to deny Baldanzi his second goal, diving full-stretch and clawing the ball out. Also handled his box well.

RB- Tony Strata- 4/10

Had a very erratic game. Lost possession way too many times for his good as it kept his side under pressure without the ball. Was subbed at the hour mark.

RCB- Cristian Ignat- 6/10

He was his side's best defender on the night as he repelled everything that came his way. He was unfortunate to see him subbed for an attacking player because he was good at the heart of defense.

LCB- Matei Ilie- 5.5/10

Decent and unfussy in possession. Used the diagonal long ball to good effect as he found it 4 out of 5 times in the game.

LB- Andrei Borza- 5/10

Did his bit fairly well. Not much to write about otherwise.

RCM- Marius Corbu- 5/10

Was the destroyer in midfield? Won 3 tackles as he tried to ensure Italy did not bypass his side's midfield with ease. Was above average in possession.

CM- Ümit Akdağ- 5.5/10

Had one rasping strike from range that stung the palms of the Italian goalkeeper. He was excellent with his switches of play from deep as he tried to get his side on the attack

LCM- Constantin Grameni- 5/10

Won possession for his side 5 times in the game, but lost the ball 10 times as well. Was booked for a nasty stamp at the start of the second half.

RW- Ianis Stoica- 5/10

Was flitting in and out of the game. Had a headed attempt that was too fast for him, which went wide. Thought he leveled the scores only to see the flag raised. That was his last touch as he was subbed after that.

ST- Louis Munteanu- 5.5/10

The Romanian skipper initially looked the best player for his side. Ran the channels, tried to create, and even put in a couple of promising crosses for his side. However, a booking completely changed things for him as he faded badly thereafter.

LW- Rareș Ilie- 5/10

While he was barely involved in his primary duty of attacking the right flank, he more than held his own defensively. Had a couple of key blocks and interceptions for his side.

Sub- Ovidiu Perianu- 5/10

He was brought in in the second half to make an impact. Tried gamely, but the Italian defense was too tough for him to penetrate.

Sub- Octavian Popescu- 5/10

He was brought in in the second half to make an impact. Was involved in a couple of attacks, but not much to write home about.

Sub- Rares Burnete- 4.5/10

Just could not get himself into the game. Peripheral figure at best.

Sub- Dan Sirbu- 5/10

Slotted in defense and did his job as much as he could.

Sub- Zoran Mitrov- N/A

Late sub. Did not have time to make an impact.

Manager- Daniel Pancu- 5/10

Could not do much. Tried changing the game with his proactive subs, but no success.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Tommaso Baldanzi.