Floro Flores leaves it late
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Article summary
Moldova 0-1 Italy A last-gasp strike from substitute Antonio Floro Flores gives Claudio Gentile's victory.
Article body
A last-gasp strike from substitute Antonio Floro Flores gave Claudio Gentile's Azzurrini all three points in a match that had looked set to end goalless against Moldova in Chisinas.
Floro Flores delight
The winner came in the very last minute when Cesare Bovo's free-kick was knocked across the face of the goal by Giorgio Chiellini and Floro Flores was on hand to head in. Italy had several half-chances throughout the game but Moldova proved obdurate in defence and almost snatched a goal in the 81st minute when Alexandru Popovici's close-range shot was well saved by Italy goalkeeper Federico Agliardi.
Maximum points
The result gave the reigning European champions a second successive Group 5 victory, a run they will be looking to continue in Slovenia on 8 October. Moldova, who have lost both games so far, visit Belarus the same day.
