Source: Team_Talk
Ramsey: Italy win a real triumph
Their impressive 2-1 win against Italy in Swansea on Friday night in the European Championship qualifier, is by far the best result the side have achieved since they first started playing at this level in 1976.[LNB]And it was a stunning performance and winning goal from 18-year-old Ramsey that achieved their first-ever win over Italy at this level, six years after the humiliation of an 8-1 defeat by the Italian youngsters in Pavia.[LNB]In their 108 under-21 matches since 1976, Wales have managed a couple of wins over Holland in the eras of Gary Speed and Ian Rush, two wins over Poland and a win over France in November 2007.[LNB]And they even drew with England - who they have never beaten in seven attempts - last season.[LNB]But there has been nothing to touch the triumph at the Liberty Stadium.[LNB]Ramsey is making his Arsenal breakthrough this term in the Premier League and Champions League, but saved his best for Wales with the stunning late winner.[LNB]He said: "It was a really good night for the boys, everyone dug in for the victory. It was difficult at the start, but we grew in confidence and deserved the victory.[LNB]"I was very pleased with my goal, maybe one of my best. And I did mean to do that little juggle and volley![LNB]"To do that against a side like Italy was especially pleasing. They are at the very top of all age groups, so the win underlines just how much we are improving.[LNB]"Most people would have doubted we could even draw against them, but to beat Italy anywhere is a real triumph.[LNB]"We are now in a good position at the top of the group, and we are 10 points ahead of Italy even if they do have three games in hand."[LNB]He added: "The last time any Wales side beat Italy was the seniors with that famous 2-1 win in Cardiff when Craig Bellamy scored the winner. That was 2002 and I was 12, watching it on TV, so it was nice to have a part in a Wales team repeating that result.[LNB]"This team means as much to me as playing for the seniors. We have a great bunch of lads who have grown up together and all want to have success with the under-21s.[LNB]"We are mates, we want to do well as a group. Achieving success with these lads is my ambition."[LNB]Ramsey will now join up with John Toshack's squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Russia, with three more of the under-21s - Shaun MacDonald, Andy King and Christian Ribeiro - also promoted to the seniors following Friday's victory.[LNB][LNB]
