Romania holds Italy to 1-1 draw in Group C

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-14  |     ONLINE EDITION

GIANLUIGI Buffon saved a late penalty from Adrian Mutu to give Italy a 1-1 draw with Romania yesterday at the European Championship.

Daniel Niculae was dragged down by Christian Panucci in the 80th minute, and a penalty was awarded. Buffon dived to his left and reached back with his hand to stop Mutu's shot, and the ball then deflected away off the goalkeeper's leg.

Mutu, who plays for Fiorentina, had given Romania the lead against the World Cup champions. He took advantage of a defensive mistake by Gianluca Zambrotta in the 55th minute, but Panucci equalized a minute later for Italy for his fourth goal in 55 internationals.

Mutu's goal was his 29th in 63 appearances for Romania. He also led the team with six goals in qualifying.

Romania has two points in Group C, while Italy, which lost to the Netherlands 3-0 in its opener, has one. The Italians now must beat France in their final group game to advance.

Both teams also came close to scoring in the first half.

Romania captain Cristian Chivu hit the post in the 20th when his long-range free kick deflected off Panucci, and Italy forward Luca Toni had a goal annulled for a controversial offside call in first-half injury time.

Italy changed virtually half its starting lineup from the Netherlands debacle, with the most noteworthy move being Alessandro Del Piero coming on alongside Toni in attack.

Simone Perrotta, Daniele De Rossi, Fabio Grosso and Giorgio Chiellini also moved into the lineup, while Antonio Di Natale, Massimo Ambrosini, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Barzagli and Marco Materazzi were all relegated to Italy's bench.

While still employing the same defensive tactics from its opening 0-0 draw with France, Romania had the first chance after only 25 seconds, with Mutu heading a cross from Paul Codrea high.