13.06.2008 20:13
Italy’s hopes still alive in European Cup
www.fcbarcelona.cat
Zambrotta’s team keeps their hopes alive in the European Cup after an intense offensive clash with Romania. Mutu and Panucci were the authors of the two goals.
On his last day as a Barça player, Gianluca Zambrotta came out in Roberto Donadoni’s starting
11 in Italy’s important survival tie against Romania. After Italy’s 3-0 defeat at the
hands of Holland, the Italian coach made five changes to the starting line-up, but with Zambrotta
being unaffected.
Ital
ians take initiative
Romania nearly scored in the opening moments of the game, but Italy were quick to react and
during the first 15 minutes they had various chances, with Del Piero nearly scoring in the 19th
minute,
Attacking play
Then it was Romania’s turn to respond, with Mutu and Chivu producing great saves from
Bufon. Both teams kept up their attacking pace during the first half, but Grosso, Perrota and Luca
Toni were unable to strike home the centres from Zambrotta and Camoranesi. Toni finally headed the
ball home from Gianluca Zambrotta's cross just before the interval, only to have the goal ruled
offside.
From a 0-0 to a 1-1 draw
In the 54th minute, Mutu broke the deadlock by scoring after
intercepting a back-header from Zambrotta to Buffon, putting Italy temporarily out of the European
Cup. But Italy needed only a minute to respond, with Panucci touching in Chielleni’s header
in the 55th minute.
Exciting second half
After Italy made it all square,
the game opened up with both teams creating chances. Romania’s best opportunities came from
Nicolai and Mutu. Lobont put in an excellent performance to prevent Italy taking the lead, and
Buffon’s moment of glory came in the 79th minute, when he saved a penalty from Mutu.
Italy’s hopes still alive
Both teams continued attacking till the end, including a shot from Goian which produced a
brilliant save from Buffon, but they were unable to break the 1-1 deadlock. Yet despite the draw,
Italy can still qualify for the next round.
Match statistics
Italy, 1
Romania, 1
Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Grosso, Chiellini, Del Piero (Quagliarella), Toni, De
Rossi, Camoranesi (Ambrosini), Zambrotta, Perrota (Cassano), Pirlo.
Romania: Lobont, Contra, Rat, Chivu, Radoi (Dica), Petre (Nicolita), Codrea, Mutu
(Cocis), Goian, D. Niculae
Goals: 1-0 m. 54 Mutu
1-1 m. 55 Panucci