Italy substitute Alberto Aquilani struck a last-gasp
equaliser to deny Denmark an important Group B victory in European qualifying
for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.
Dani Osvaldo put Gli Azzurri ahead in the 28th minute
before Nicklas Bendtner pulled the hosts level on the stroke of half-time, and
the Danes were then twice denied by the woodwork early in the second half
before Bendtner put them ahead with 12 minutes remaining. However, Aquilani's
close-range effort in the 90th minute earned pool winners Italy a point and left
Denmark trailing second-placed Bulgaria - who earlier lost 2-1 in Armenia - on
goal difference ahead of the final round of matches.
The visitors headed into the contest having already
booked their place at next summer's showpiece tournament in Brazil, having
assuring top place in the group. Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon became
Italy's most-capped player as he made his 137th appearance.
With AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli sidelined with the
flu, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli opted to start with Southampton striker
Osvaldo up front and it paid dividends. Osvaldo sent a warning in the 21st
minute when his right-footed shot flew just wide of the far post, and Italy
took the lead soon after.
A fast break saw Thiago Motta pick out Osvaldo in the area
and he got past Liverpool defender Daniel Agger before firing a right-footed
shot past Denmark goalkeeper Stephan Andersen.
The hosts responded well, though, and restored parity in
the 45th minute, when Bendtner got past his marker Federico Balzaretti and
headed Michael Krohn-Dehli's cross past Buffon.
Marten Olsen's men looked to push on after the break, and
Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen almost delivered when his direct
free-kick beat Buffon but struck the right post.
Denmark could not believe their luck when they were again
denied by the woodwork in the 67th minute. Italy failed to clear a dangerous
corner and the ball fell to Andreas Bjelland, whose 14-yard attempt rebounded
off the crossbar.
Denmark were finally rewarded in the 78th minute, when
Bendtner again jumped higher than Balzaretti and nodded Krohn-Dehli's cross
past Buffon.
Italy had the last say, however, when Osvaldo's cross to
the far post was met by Aquilani.
Denmark end their qualifying campaign against Malta in
Copenhagen on Tuesday, while Italy host Armenia in their final game.
Culled from FIFA
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