June 13, 2008: Italy and Romania drew a fast paced Group C Euro 2008 match held in Zurich on 13th June. Both teams scored a goal apiece, leaving the second berth for Quarter Final qualification still largely open. Romania opened the scoring with Adrian Mutu holding on to a faulty back pass from the experienced Italian defender Zambrotta aimed for goalkeeper Buffon, and executing a clinical finish. Italy was quick to retort, with Panucci striking one home from a spirited counterattack.
The world champions began the match on an attacking mode, a marked improvement on the rather lackluster performance of the last match against Netherlands. Luca Toni headed one in from a Camoranesi cross, only to be called a close offside by the referee.
The highlight of the Italy vs. Romania match was a penalty save by Italian goalkeeper Ginluigi Buffon. Christian Panucci dragged down Daniel Niculae in the box in the 80th minute of the match, resulting in a penalty for the Romanians. Adrian Mutu took the shot. However, Buffon dived to his left to bring about a spectacular save, proving why he is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment.
With the Italy-Romania match resulting in a draw, the future of the Group C now remains widely undecided, except for group leaders Netherlands. Italy and France will look for a win in their last group match against each other, as only a win will create a chance for them to reach the Quarter Finals.
Final Score Italy-Romania Match June 13
Italy 1 – 1 Romania
Goals Scored: 2
Teams:
Italy: Ginluigi Buffon, Ginluca Zambrotta, Giorgio CHiellini, Christian Panucci, Fabo Grosso, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Simone Perrotta (Antonio Cassano), Mauro Camoranesi (Massimo Ambrosini), Alessandro Del Peiro (Fabio Quagliarella), Luca Toni.
Romania: Bogdan Lobont, Cosmin Contra, Dorin Goian, Gabriel Tamas, Razvan Rat, Cristian Chivu, Paul Codrea, Mirel Redoi (Nicolae Dica), Florentin Petre (Banel Nicolita), Adrian Mutu (Razvan Cocis), Daniel Niculae.
