Team overview
Having finished as runners-up at the 2007 U21 European Championship, Serbia will be hoping to go one better this time around.
Their first taste of life at an international tournament as an independent nation came agonisingly close to providing a memorable outcome two years ago, only for Holland to crash their party.
They will be expected to be among the contenders once again in Sweden, as they can boast a squad bristling with potential.
Whether they can rise to the occasion in the same manner as they did during their debut outing remains to be seen, but Serbia should be viewed as dark horses to take the crown.
How they qualified
Serbia made a slow start to their qualification campaign, but soon found their stride as they went on to top Group 8.
A disappointing defeat away in Hungary provided the only blot on their impressive copy book, as they claimed five victories from their eight games.
They managed to average three goals a game throughout their campaign, while they shipped only five at the back.
That record stood them in good stead heading into a play-off encounter with Denmark, and they duly booked their safe passage to Sweden with 1-0 successes home and away in a two-legged encounter.
Coach - Slobodan Krcmarevic
Krcmarevic is widely regarded as one of Europe's top coaches when it comes to nurturing young talent.
His first post after hanging up his boots came with the Serbia & Montenegro U19 side in 2002, where he enjoyed a productive 12-month spell before joining the academy ranks at Partizan Belgrade.
A successful two-year stint in charge OFK Beograd followed, between 2005 and 2007, before he opted to return to youth management.
He was appointed as coach of the Serbian U21 side following their qualification for the 2007 European Championship and has continued to work wonders with the team despite seeing a number of his key men make the step up into the senior fold.
One to watch - Gojko Kacar
A manager's dream, Kacar's versatility and athletic build have made him an integral cog in the Serbian U21 machine.
Equally adept at centre-half as he is at centre-forward, the Hertha Berlin man is expected to adopt a defensive midfield role in Sweden.
He has already gone down in Serbian football folklore as the only man to score five goals in an international contest, during an 8-0 rout of Hungary in September 2008.
The 22-year-old has already won seven caps for his country's senior side and could prove to be one of the stars of the tournament should Serbia make steady progress through Group A.
Why they'll win it
An intriguing blend of youthful exuberance and established stars should ensure that Serbia progress to the knockout stages.
While their side is much-changed from that which fell at the final hurdle last time around, their production line of talent has shown no sign of slowing down since those heady days of 2007.
A number of their players already play their club football at the highest level, with experience gained in England, Germany, Holland and France likely to prove invaluable.
In Krcmarevic they have also have one of the finest tactical brains in their dug out and he will be relishing the opportunity to pit his wits on the continental stage once again.
Why they won't
The fear is that the expectation placed upon a much-altered side could prove too much to handle.
While their quality is without question, it is their ability to gel together in a tournament environment which has raised concerns.
It could be that the 2009 U21 European Championship has come too soon for the latest batch of Serbian youngsters, with the 2011 event expected to provide them with a more realistic shot at glory.
Progress alongside Italy in Group A should remain their target, with a semi-final place an achievement which should not be discredited.
