Italy 1-1 Romania, Friday 13 June 2008

Another frustrating game for the Azzurri as plans to kick-start their Euro 2008 campaign suffered another set-back at the hands of Romania, and continued their tradition of under-performing in the group-stages of European Championships. The saving grace for Roberto Donadoni's men was the spectacular penalty save by Buffon that kept Italy in the Championships and set-up a fascinating winner-takes-all group finale against France.

The game began as an end-to-end tie, as Italy's team selection suggested a more attacking style of play and desire to win. Out went the mistake-riddled Materazzi, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Di Natale and Barzagli, and in came Grosso, De Rossi, Chiellini, Del Piero and Perrotta. With the exception maybe of Perrotta, these changes helped Italy to a more fluid display, but the risk of playing in a more attacking manner was all too evident as Romania created good chances early on.

A Romanian free-kick was deflected off Panucci, and with Buffon wrong-footed, the ball hit the post and was cleared. Buffon was again called into action by a Mutu left-foot shot, as Italy were shown to be a little too easy to open up. At the other end however, chances were also created, with some excellent first half wing-play, especially from Grosso, whose crosses often created panic in the Romanian defence as Toni looked to get his first goal of the tournament.

Toni thought he had done just that when he converted a cross by Zambrotta, only for it to be ruled offside when Toni himself was certainly onside, opening debate again on who is deemed as interfering with play in the modern game. Azzurri fans must have felt that Lady Luck was Romanian on 55 minutes, when a poor back-header by Zambrotta allowed Fiorentina man Adrian Mutu to poke home a surprise opener, and put Italy on the brink of European Championship elimination.

Heads didn't sink after that goal however, as Donadoni's men fought the good fight and converted a corner just one minute later. De Rossi's in-swinger nodded across goal by the occassionally impressive Chiellini, from where Cristian Panucci converted to keep their Euro dream alive. Italy continued to have good pressure and came close with some well worked interplay between Del Piero and De Rossi, who headed towards the bottom right hand corner, from where Lobont clawed it away.

Disbelief returned for a 3rd time in the closing stages, as a run-of-the-mill scuffle in the penalty area between Panucci and Niculae resulted in referee Tom Henning Ovrebo of Norway giving a penalty, which would have put the Azzurri out of Euro 2008. All eyes were on Serie A based Adrian Mutu, whose powerfully struck penalty was outstandingly saved by Gigi Buffon, who had literally single handedly saved Italy from the abyss. The game finished 1-1, a result that although not desired pre-match, will now be seen as a point gained rather than 2 points lost.

Better news came later in the evening, as Holland beat France 4-1 in Group C, leaving France and Italy on 1 point each, and Romania on 2, although they must beat Holland to qualify should there be a winner in the Italy Holland game. All attention will now turn to the massive group C deciders on Tuesday, where a win by the Azzurri against fellow strugglers France should see them qualify for the latter stages. Italy may be doing it the hard way, but they are still in it.

Player Ratings

1 Buffon

Brought into action on too many occassions for his liking, was faultless througout and produced a wonder save from Mutu's penalty

4/5

2 Panucci

Scored an important equaliser, and looked more composed on the ball than some defensive team-mates, but was still beaten too many times.

2/5

4 Chiellini

Strong in the air, and with better distribution than Materazzi, but wasn't tight enough on his man, and lack of international playing experience showed

2/5

3 Grosso

Defensively did an adequate job, though his real influence on the game was on the left-wing, where he improved on his Holland performance, and could have had a couple of assists on another day.

4/5

19 Zambrotta

At fault for the goal, and was not as influential as against Holland. Didn't take control of his area of the pitch, and changes in all personell around him may have taken its toll.

2/5

10 De Rossi

Some good passing, hard work and interplay between him and Roma team-mate Perrotta, and especially Pirlo. Also helped start attacks well. Could have been better defensively.

3/5

21 Pirlo

More influential than against Holand, starting far more moves and passing quite accurately. Still has failed to find his range from free-kicks but had a good game.

3/5

20 Perrotta

Was less influential than his midfield team-mates, though did carry some threat further up the pitch. Not in the game enough

2/5

16 Camoranesi

Lots of early chasing, bright and active movement proved in vain. When in possession he failed to involve teammates in attacking play and his runs became more sporadic and unpredictable and for a winger, no final delivery to speak of

2/5

16 Camoranesi

Some good runs and crosses but not effective enough. Needs to find some better form if he is to keep his place.

2/5

7 Del Piero

Some good link up play with Perrotta, De Rossi, and Toni, and had some good footwork. Less of a threat to the goal, and wasn't in the game enough. Will be hoping for another start to show what he can do.

3/5

9 Toni

Missed an early header, lots of chasing down and was rather stranded in the first half. Missed good chance to score mid-way through second half lifting the ball over the keeper and bar by several feet after good run to be put through by Cassano. Good hold up play but rarely saw action in isolated game

3/5

Subs

13 Ambrosini (on 85)

Not on long enough to influence the match

-/5

15 Quagliarella (on 77)

There to offer a more direct threat to goal but only really had one half chance.

2/5

18 Cassano (on 54)

Put through some good through balls, but was a little more wasteful than in the last game

2/5

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Tim D

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