Baggio bids fond farewell

Italy 1-1 Spain

Impressive display
But while the home fans applauded Baggio's every move, Iñaki Sáez's Spain side were looking to the future after another impressive display that reinforced their position among the favourites for Portugal this summer.

Key absentees
Both sides were without key players with Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni again forced to field a weakened team in the absence of Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano, Alessandro Nesta and goalkeeper Francesco Toldo. Injuries to Luis García, Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena interrupted Sáez’s preparations for Portugal but did little to slow his team's momentum as Spain pressed from the opening whistle.

Raúl early chance
Gianluigi Buffon did well to turn away Raúl González’s close-range effort on four minutes, and though the Italy goalkeeper was beaten shortly afterwards, Iván Helguera's scrambled effort was ruled out for offside.

Etxeberria shines
Italy were losing the battle in midfield where Joseba Etxeberria was causing problems on the right and the Athletic Club Bilbao winger almost broke the deadlock with a deflected cross which Buffon kept out from under the crossbar. Fernando Morientes and David Albelda also went close as Italy struggled to keep pace with the visitors.

Baggio heads wide
Baggio was presented with the Azzurri's best chance of the half, but he headed wide after being picked out unmarked by Andrea Pirlo's cross. Spain continued to press after the break and deservedly went ahead on 53 minutes when Torres shot low beyond Buffon after latching on to Albelda's cross. But the lead was shortlived, Christian Vieri restoring parity with a powerful header off Stefano Fiore's cross from the right after Andrea Pirlo's free-kick had bounced back off the Spain wall.

Devoted supporters
The biggest cheer of the night, however, was saved for Baggio as he left the field three minutes from time. Before the match Baggio's devoted supporters were still urging Trapattoni to include the 37-year-old in his squad for Portugal, but the Divine Ponytail himself conceded afterwards that his Italy career was over.

'Really special'
"Tonight's game will provide the most beautiful memory of my career," he said. "Nothing could be more beautiful or emotional than the demonstration of affection these fans have given me. It was really special."

'Great stuff'
Trapattoni joined the chorus of praise for the striker. "He showed some great stuff," the coach said. "It was right to give him the chance to be thanked by the fans who have loved him so much."