Italy denied all three points
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Article summary
Italy 0-0 Switzerland Italy moved a step closer to the play-offs but were still frustrated by Switzerland.
Article body
Italy moved a step closer to the UEFA Women's Championship qualifying play-offs with a goalless draw against Switzerland.
Brunner the star
Swiss goalkeeper Marisa Brunner proved the key player as she continually frustrated the lively Italian strike pair of Maria Guarino and Patrizia Panico. The result moves Switzerland five points clear of Group 1 bottom side Serbia and Montenegro with two games to go, while Italy climb into second, ahead of Finland on goal difference.
Sweden encounter
Two victories are now Italy's target to hold off Finland and secure a play-off place in second. However, Italy's next match is against group winners Sweden on 26 June before a 25 September finale in Serbia and Montenegro.
Play-off target
Should Italy or Finland reach 13 points, though, they will still enter the play-offs as one of the two best third-placed teams, and may even be able to slip through with an even lower tally. Switzerland can revive their slim hopes of second place by beating Finland on 4 September.
