Italy faced Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday night in the third match of World Cup qualifying for the current World Champions. The azzurri won their opening Group 8 games in Cyprus and at home to Georgia last month, beating the Cypriots 2-1 and the Georgians 2-0.

Lippi called up Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi, Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce, Christian Maggio and Udinese forward Simone Pepe, with all four ready to make their debuts for the national side. Injuries were a major factor in this game with Marco Materazzi, Nicola Legrottaglie, Marco Cassetti, Fabio Grosso, Andrea Pirlo, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Mauro Camoranesi, Gianluigi Buffon and Marco Borriello all ruled out for the two qualifying games.

Italy and Bulgaria fought hard in a match that saw both keepers used sparingly, which eventually ended in a 0-0 deadlock. The real battle happened in the middle of the park, with Gennaro Gattuso fighting hard to overpower his Bulgarian counterpart. Simone Pepe had a positive debut for the Azzurri, starting from the original line up to impress on the wing with a confident display.

Giuseppe Rossi was a highly anticipated player in this match, and even though he only played a small part in the match towards the end, he showed great composure while using his talent and ability to make dangerous runs towards goal, and even did his share of defensive work. Alberto Gilardino was not his usual dangerous self, although he did try to get involved and was a menace on one or two occasions. Luca Toni came on towards the end, and earned himself a yellow card, which means that he will be suspended for Wednesday’s match against Montenegro.

All in all a point away from home at an opponent like Bulgaria is a good result, leaving the Azzurri on seven point in the group, with what is considered an easier game to come on Wednesday.

Peter Pedroncelli – footballitaliano.org