Ten-man Italy hold firm

By Peter Bruun in Farum

Italy recovered from the setback of conceding an early goal to earn a 1-1 away draw against Denmark at Farum Park and leave themselves well-placed to qualify from the play-offs for the final tournament of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Italy in charge
After the shock of falling behind early on, the visitors largely controlled the match and the home side could consider themselves fortunate not to lose against opponents who played the last 20 minutes with ten men. Nevertheless, Italy will be in confident mood ahead of the second leg in Rieti on 19 November.

Perfect start
It had all started so promisingly for the home team, as they took the lead after only three minutes, sending the 2,815-strong crowd wild with delight. Striker Tommy Bechmann was fouled inside the penalty area, and midfield player Thomas Kallenberg scored from the spot.

Visitors fight back
However, Italy worked their way back into the match, and quickly pressed the home side back inside their own half. The away team created a number of chances, with Giuseppe Sculli, Andrea Gasbarroni, Alberto Gilardino and Paolo Cannavaro all going close and only sterling displays from Danish goalkeeper Stephan Andersen and central defender Christian Traore keeping the visitors at bay.

Headed equaliser
The home side's stout resistant was broken shortly before half-time, however, as midfield player Gasbarroni met a left-wing corner and his header was delfected into the net by Andersen to bring the visitors level. The goal only served to galvanise the home side, who began the second period in much more positive fashion. Jan Kristiansen had the home side's best chance but his effort rebounded off the crossbar, while Jonas Kamper and Leon Andreasen twice came close, but were unable to find a way past Italian goalkeeper Marco Amelia.

Scorer sent off
At the other end, Andersen was forced to produce a fine save to deny Gasbarroni, but Italy's match then turned sour as Gianpiero Pinzi was sent off in the 70th minute, having collected his second yellow card of the game. Despite the numerical advantage, Denmark were unable to find a winning goal, to leave Italy well-placed to progress.