Blucerchiati international break round-up

It’s been a busy week for Sampdoria’s international contingent, in action all over the world with World Cup and European Under-21 championship qualifiers.

Luis Muriel and Colombia face a big test in Barranquilla on 11 October with Uruguay the visitors. In the meantime, however, Jose Pekerman’s side saw off a stubborn Paraguay side in Asuncion with a 90th-minute strike from substitute Cardona. Luis Muriel featured for 77 minutes.

Elsewhere, Karol Linetty played one half of Poland’s victory over Denmark in Warsaw. The hosts edged a five-goal thriller, with Lewandowski completing his hat-trick three minutes into the second half. Despite an own goal from Glik and a strike from Poulsen, the Poles hung on for a 3-2 win. Linetty et al will look to maintain top spot in Group E when Armenia visit on Tuesday.

Patrick Schick had an evening to forget with the Czech Republic in Hamburg. The Sampdoria youngster watched on from the bench as Germany strengthened their hold on first place with two goals from Thomas Muller and a Toni Kroos strike. Tuesday’s home match against Azerbaijan is already shaping up to be make or break for head coach Karel Jarolim. Defeat would put a real dent in the Czechs’ hopes of making it to Russia 2018.

Milan Skriniar is dreaming big however. The Sampdoria defender can look forward to a summer of major tournament action after Slovakia booked their place at the 2017 European Under-21 championships. Pavel Hapal’s side beat Belarus 3-1 thanks to goals from Safrako (2) and Chrien, which rendered Yablonski’s goal for the opposition meaningless. The Blucerchiati man has since been rewarded for his performances with a call-up to the senior squad. He has joined up with the national team for their qualifier against Scotland on Tuesday.

Smooth sailing meantime for Bruno Fernandes, as Portugal Under-21s – already sure of their place at next summer’s European championships – maintained their unbeaten record in Gyor. The Portuguese scored three in Hungary thanks to Jota, Carvalho and Podence, with Nagy, Prosser and Balogh on target for the hosts in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Their last game of the campaign is at home to Lichtenstein on Tuesday.

Belgium Under-21s suffered a painful defeat in Montenegro this week. Captain Dennis Praet, booked and taken off with a quarter of the match remaining, is still smarting after goals from Jovocic and Boljevic (2) saw off Johan Walem’s youngsters. The Red Devils can no longer top their group and will need to qualify via the play-offs. Before then they face a dead rubber against Latvia on Tuesday.

One player who won’t be heading to Poland next summer is Luka Krajnc. The Samp stopper played the full 90 minutes of Slovenia Under-21s’ trip to Lithuania, where a 72nd-minute goal from Ruzgis ended their hopes of qualification. Their final match of the group, away at Serbia, is therefore meaningless.

Lower down the ladder: Primavera forward Giacomo Vrioni featured in Italy’s win over Portugal in a match which included Samp’s Pedro Pereira. The Azzurrini came from behind following Jose Gomes’ opener, scoring through Cutrone and Melegoni. The second leg will be played today.