Serbia vs. Italy Euro Qualifer: Violence on Minds of Azzuri in Euro 2012 Match

Italy heads to Belgrade to take on a Serbian side that will be gripping for a result. This is just one part of the story, as the two sides remember the abysmal violence that ruined their fixture last year. 

In 2010, Italy and Serbia met up in Genoa for a Euro 2012 qualifier. The match only went six minutes before a flare hoisted from a Serbian supporter nearly struck Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano. 

That was all Scottish referee Craig Thomson needed to see, as the violence in the stands threatened to endanger the players on the pitch. 

Now the Italians will travel into the lion's den, taking on Serbia in Belgrade. For the Azzuri, the task will be to play a clean and sound match. 

They have already solidified a spot in the tournament and are five points ahead of nearest Group C rivals Serbia with two qualifiers remaining.

This is not the time to try anything daring. Italy will hardly pull any punches, but they will not be as emotional as Serbia will be in front of what will be a raucous crowd. The key is to play with no attention paid to the stands, as hard as that may be. 

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi told reporters how difficult the match would be. 

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To see the game abandoned due to the violence of (a section of) Serbian fans was shocking to everyone. In Belgrade, we will find a heated atmosphere in a stadium that will try to intimidate us with their fans, but I hope there will be no violence...It will be a difficult game against a strong side with players that compete in Europe and a few in Italy. We will face a mental challenge, and this will be a good test for us.

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It will surely be a grand test. Serbia has the talent to shock the Azurri at home. The fact that the crowd will fuel them for 90 minutes will hardly help matters. 

Italy is well aware of what it takes to maneuver in one of the most demanding tournaments in the world. This is one more gauntlet that needs to be passed. 

I am confident that a side that has been stout thus far will not be denied the result.