Italy reach end of the road
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Article summary
Serbia and Montenegro 1-1 Italy A late equaliser ends Italy's campaign with one Group 3 match to go.
Article body
Five points adrift
A 3-1 defeat by Turkey two days ago had left Italy in trouble, and this draw, combined with their opening opponents' 2-1 victory against group hosts Poland, leaves the Italians five points adrift with one game left.
Rossi goal cancelled out
The game was goalless at half time, but Giuseppe Rossi gave Italy hope as he scored within seconds of the restart. However, Serbia and Montenegro levelled nine minutes from the end and held on for a point which keeps them in the running for qualification.
Victory needed
Serbia and Montenegro, who beat Poland in their opening game, are two points behind their opponents on Saturday, Turkey, and need victory to reach the finals in France in May. Italy must avoid defeat against Poland to stay out of last place.