The opening match of the Round of 16 at Egypt 2009 could hardly be more intriguing, pitting together old adversaries Spain and Italy. The European duo have the greatest respect for each other and with so little to choose between the sides, victory in Cairo will most likely hinge on the finest of details.

Incentives for Italy
For an indication of just how close Monday's meeting might prove you only have to go back four months to the final of the Mediterranean Games in Pescara, a match La Roja edged 2-1 with a goal in the fifth minute of injury time. "I remember the game well", Italy defender Michelangelo Albertazzi tells FIFA.com. "We came close to beating them but we ended up losing. Now we have a wonderful opportunity to get our revenge."

His coach Francesco Rocca knows only too well how difficult that task will be for his side. "We're coming up against one of the favourites for the title. They're the only team to have won all their matches in the group phase and they have one of the best records at youth level. It's going to be a very tough game."

Albertazzi, who plays his club football for AC Milan and is Italy's leading scorer in Egypt with two goals, also has the greatest respect for the Spaniards. "Technically they are a great side, and their biggest strength is the ability they have to retain possession," he says before issuing a warning to the men in red. "They have some good players in every area but we are convinced we can beat them and keep progressing at the tournament."

As far as the 18-year-old Bologna-born centre-half is concerned, the key to conquering Spain lies in the battle for midfield supremacy. "What we need to do to beat them is cut off their possession at source. If we can prevent their playmakers from settling into the game, then we'll have a better chance."

Though he nods in agreement like a doting father, coach Rocca chooses to focus attention on his own side. "We managed to qualify from a very tough section and that has given my players more confidence and has made them feel more sure about themselves. That kind of lift could be vital for the Spain game. The least little thing can make all the difference in these knockout matches."

FT Spain 1 - 3 Italy.

Big surprise to me, at least. Italy's 3 goals were all from open play; Spain's was a penalty (conceded by Albertazzi, unfortunately). Spain had another pen that Fiorillo saved. Fishdoll fins up to him!

Game got a bit on the rough side in the second half: 9 cards.

Italy took their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-1 win over ten-man Spain at Cairo's Al Salam Stadium. The excellent Andrea Mazzarani emerged as the hero, scoring one and setting up another, while Vincenzo Fiorillo saved a late penalty as Gli Azzurrini survived a spirited onslaught from their European rivals

So the U20s play Hungary in the next round. Should be a bit of an advantage to Italy even if there are a couple of guys out on card suspensions. Hungary had to go to extra time & pens to beat the Czech Republic today.

Do Hungary have a good team or is that a bit of a shock?

I think the bigger shock is that Italy got out of the group stage. There was a lot of criticism in the Italian press that the U20s were a substandard team, with a lot of guys who COULD play for the U20s either bumped up early to the U21s or not released from their clubs. This is a relatively young U20 team (ie, we could in theory have seen Balotelli, Macheda, etc but didn't).

(WERE YOU WATCHING LEONARDO? LET THE KID PLAY!)

And what's worrying is his comment that if he leaves the job he won't go back to his old post. That's terrifying, coz I love the man, and want him to stay here.

And what's worrying is his comment that if he leaves the job he won't go back to his old post. That's terrifying, coz I love the man, and want him to stay here.

Fishdoll +1 cookie to the Primavera. They beat the Atalanta Primavera yesterday, 1-0 (goal by Pedrocchi). They're unbeaten and in first place in their group.

PROMOTE THEM ALL TO FIRST TEAM!!!!

So, Zigoni is slipping. He only scored one goal today in the Primavera's Cup game versus the baby Donkeys of Chievo.

FT Milan 6 - 1 Chievo

Other Milan goals by: Oduamani, Meregalli, and Schenetti

And young Primavera player Giacomo Berretta has been called up for Italy's U17 squad for the U17 world cup.

So, Zigoni is slipping. He only scored one goal today in the Primavera's Cup game versus the baby Donkeys of Chievo.

FT Milan 6 - 1 Chievo

Other Milan goals by: Oduamani, Meregalli, and Schenetti

And young Primavera player Giacomo Berretta has been called up for Italy's U17 squad for the U17 world cup.

So, Zigoni is slipping. He only scored one goal today in the Primavera's Cup game versus the baby Donkeys of Chievo.

And on another topic, Daniel Maldini's (the younger of the brothers) team played two games yesterday. They won by a combined score of 24-0.

I thought he was very good in the little bits I was able to see. Was surprised to see him playing in the center and not as LB but he was quite solid.