The Macedonian under 21 national team suffered the second defeat in the new qualifiers, this time against Italy in Bitola.

photo by Filip Zdraveski: view at the match

After the defeat in Poland the young Macedonians welcomed Italy in Bitola in front of almost packed stadium, the newly renovated and renamed Petar Miloshevski, previously known as Pod Tumbe Kafe.

Coach Goran Stanikj started with Vasko Vasilev between the posts, Gjorge Djekov, Anes Meljichi and David Dailoski in the defense, Memetriza Hamza and Dimitar Danev as wingers, Matej Gashtarov, Adrian  Zendelovski and captain Matej Angelov in the midfield and Teodor Nikolovski and Dimitar Trajkov up front.

The anthems:

The Italians from the start showed that they are the better team and even the early red card for Brando Moruzzi didn’t stop them to score first. In the 35th minute the summer signing of Napoli, Luca Marianucci, scored after getting in the box from the left side.

After the break Macedonia played much more attacking style and managed to launch two shots though Hamza and Nikolovski, but both unsuccessful. Italy then controlled the game and eventually won with the lone goal.

This was second defeat for Macedonia, while second win for Italy in the qualifying group.

Petar Miloshevski stadium in Bitola
Macedonia – Italy 0:1 (0:1)
Goals: 35′ Luca Marianucci
Macedonia: Vasilev; Dailoski (84′ Elmas), Meljichi, Djekov; Hamza, Angelov (69′ Gjogievski), Zendelovski (46′ Elezi), Gashtarov, Danev; Trajkov, Nikolovski; Coach: Goran Stanikj
Italia: Motta; Palestra, Marianucci, Chiarodia, Moruzzi; Pisilli (82′ Dagasso) Lipani, Ndour; Pafundi (28′ Idrissi), Raimondo (46′ Ekhator), Koleosho (75′ Cherubini). Coach: Silvio Baldini
Red cards: 25′ Moruzzi (I)
Yellow cards: Moruzzi, Moruzzi,  Palestra, Pisilli, Marianucci (I), Angelov, Zendelovski, Trajkov, Djekov (M)
Referee: Genc Nuza

Highlights: