Serie A Talk

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