Mixed day for Daniel

Missed chances
After opening the scoring on 49 minutes, his attempted clearance rebounded off Francesco Lodi for the Italian equaliser nine minutes later. Portugal will rue the chances they missed when leading 1-0, although the result means they still lead Italy in Group A.

More inventive
Carlos Dinis's side were more inventive in the opening stages as Italy played a containing game, defending deep while captain Lodi and Giampolo Pazzini roamed up front. Rodrigo Angelo, Paulo Sérgio and Pedro Pereira all threatened with shots but as the game progressed, Italy began to assert themselves. Lodi and Pazzini went close although there was an escape for Italy when Rodrigo Angelo's cross struck the crossbar.

Opening goal
The opening goal came four minutes after the break when Hugo Almeida laid the ball off to Daniel who, advancing down the inside-left channel, beat Marco Paolini with a fierce left-foot drive. Italy almost replied immediately but Pazzini headed wide as the ball bounced around inside the Portugal box.

Close calls
Hugo Almeida could have doubled the lead but headed wide from Hélio Pinto's cross and more chances came: Hugo Almeida hit an air shot, then Paulo Sergio - a threat throughout with his speed and willingness to run at defenders - poked a shot wide.

Italy equaliser
Having survived those scares, Italy were back on level terms on the hour. Pazzini dribbled through the Portugal defence and when he shot across goal Daniel's attempted clearance struck Lodi and bounced into the net. Portugal could have regained the lead when Hugo Almeida skipped past his marker on the left and fired in a low cross but Paulo Sérgio turned the ball wide.