Borini helps Italy break Germany duck

A second-half goal from Fabio Borini was enough for Italy to beat fellow UEFA European Under-21 Championship finalists Germany in a friendly game in Andria.

Not long after Germany goalkeeper Bernd Leno came off his line to block the Liverpool FC man's close-range shot, Borini finished off an easy chance on 59 minutes, Lorenzo Insigne providing the final ball following a slick move down the left.

Germany had the better opportunities in an even first half at the Stadio Degli Ulivi. After ten minutes, Sebastian Polter sent Alexander Esswein through with a nice pass, but Italy goalkeeper Francesco Bardi did well to dive at the forward's feet. Sebastian Rode then found space on the right and cut back for Polter on 40 minutes; his close-range attempt seemed destined for the back of the net, yet Italy defender Giulio Donati blocked.

Borini's goal changed the tone of the match after the interval, and substitute Alberto Paloschi might have doubled the Azzurrini's advantage, the Parma FC attacker heading over a Donati cross from the right. Kevin Trapp, who had replaced Leno in the Germany goal, then saved from Marco Crimi after a brilliant Riccardo Saponara delivery. Although the visitors pressed for the equaliser, Italy defended well to register their first victory against Germany at this level.

Italy: Bardi; Donati, Bianchetti (Romagnoli 81), Caldirola, Biraghi; Sansone (Saponara 55), Rossi, Crimi, Insigne (Frascatore 90+2); Immobile (Longo 77), Borini (Paloschi 68).

Germany: Leno (Trapp 46); Jung (Jantschke 46), Sobiech, Kirchhhof, Ostrzolek (Sorg 80); Vogt (Rüdiger 71), Arslan (Koch 66), Rode (Beister 46); Polter, Esswein, Herrmann (Leitner 46).