An own goal from Ciprian Marica handed Italy a deserved draw in friendly international against Romania in Austria.
Marica nodded the ball into his own net in the 83rd minute after substitute Fabio Quagliarella had managed to get a touch to Andrea Pirlo’s corner.
Marica had earlier been poised to emerge as the hero for Romania after scoring the opener in the first half, but finished with a goal at both ends as the Azzurri battled back late on.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli used the friendly in Klagenfurt’s HYPO Group Arena to try out young players, including Mario Balotelli of Manchester City.
The former Inter Milan striker earned his second start with the Azzurri and played well but lacked a finishing touch.
However, Balotelli appeared to be the subject of verbal abuse from the stands throughout, although it was unclear from which section of fans it was coming.
1-0 Marica 34′
82′ C. Marica (o.g.) [1 – 1]