It took an own goal in the 67th minute by R. Özcan for the Azzurri to draw even
after trailing 0-2 on Manager Lippi’s return.
Italy were expected to ease past Austria in Nice, but Austria hadn’t read the script and Emanuel Pogatetz and Marc Janko fired goals past Azzurri keeper Buffon to make it 2-0 by the 38th minute.
Adding to the early insult was injury when Gennaro Gattuso damaged his shoulder and was forced to withdraw from play. Overall Italy was poor offensively (some credit to Di Natale who kept pushing forward) the first goal by Gilardino was lady luck in spades as the ball ricocheted off his midsection.
additional info: Alessandro Del Piero made his 90th appearance as an Azzurri
Related posts:
- AC Milan Wear Fake Beards to Pre-Match Warmup Session (Video)
- Italy 2-1 Spain: New Coach Cesare Prandelli Gets A Major Confidence Boost
- Mancini, Capello & Trapattoni: Italians in Important Coaching Positions Outside Italy
- Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio: Midfield Duo Behind Italy’s and Juventus’s Surge?
- Will Italy’s Euro 2012 Chances Be Hurt by Cassano’s and Rossi’s Potential Absences?
[...] Original post by Kevin Walker [...]