Rossi earns Italy draw in Germany

Germany 1-1 Italy
Miroslav Klose continued his fine form for Germany with an early goal before Italy fought back to claim a friendly draw in Dortmund.

Klose, the second top scorer in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying with six goals, found the target after 16 minutes to put his team ahead. It was not to prove the winning effort, though, as Giuseppe Rossi mustered a leveller not long before the end.

Germany, fielding the core of the side which made it to the 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, were quick to make clear their attacking intentions. Their endeavour was rewarded when Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller combined impressively for Klose to finish from close range for his 59th international goal.

Italy struggled to mount an immediate riposte but established a foothold in the latter stages of the half, Daniele De Rossi going closest only to be denied by Manuel Neuer. The home side began the second period strongly, but Italy threatened again when Marco Borriello shot from the edge of the box, only to find Neuer again up to the challenge.

The FC Schalke 04 No1 was beaten ten minutes from time, however, as Rossi cleverly slotted past him at the second attempt after being sent through by Domenico Criscito. Sami Khedira and Kevin Grosskreutz went close at the other end, but Germany had to settle for a draw. They will aim for a fifth straight UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group A win at home to Kazakhstan on 26 March, the day after Group C leaders Italy visit Slovenia.