Italy and Germany share the spoils

Italy and Germany continued their 2014 FIFA World Cup preparations with a 1-1 draw at San Siro.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels headed the visitors into a fifth-minute lead but Ignazio Abate grabbed his first international goal before the half-hour to equalise. Both sides, meeting for the first time since their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final in Warsaw, had chances to win, with Germany rattling the frame of the goal three times, but it ended all-square.

Germany made the perfect start when Toni Kroos's early corner was turned in off a post by Hummels for the 24-year-old's second national-team goal. The away side came close to a second 12 minutes later but Sami Khedira's powerful strike from outside the area hit an upright.

Italy responded and were level in the 28th minute when Abate intercepted Hummels's clearance, cut in from the right and finished with aplomb after a neat one-two with Leonardo Bonucci. Italy had the woodwork to thank for ensuring they stayed on terms at the break as an André Schürrle attempt rebounded off the crossbar.

The Azzurri came out firing after half-time with Claudio Marchisio's left-foot effort forcing Manuel Neuer into a sharp save before an expertly timed Benedikt Höwedes challenge prevented Mario Balotelli bearing down on goal. The FC Schalke 04 defender was involved at the other end in added time when his shot from the edge of box grazed the outside of a post.