HOLDERS Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by a dogged and determined Italy at the Arena Gdansk in Poland yesterday in the opening Group C match at the European Championship.
Italy took the lead on 61 minutes through substitute Antonio Di Natale only minutes before the world champions equalised through Cesc Fabregas.
But Chelsea striker Fernando Torres missed two glorious late chances after coming off the bench to replace the goal-scorer.
A draw was a fair result as Italy were the better side in the first half and were fearless in taking the game to the world champions.
Both coaches sprung a surprise with their team selections as Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque opted to go without a striker, playing Fabregas between Andres Iniesta and David Silva.
Italy's Cesare Prandelli opted for Juventus reserve Emanuele Giaccherini in the left wing-back position, a role the forward is far from used to playing.
Spain came alive a minute before the break as Xavi picked out Iniesta inside the box with an arrowed pass, but his Barcelona team-mate shot too high.
Del Bosque must have said something to his players at half-time because within five minutes of the restart Fabregas had taken aim and brought a sprawling save out of Buffon.
World champs Spain share spoils with Italy
HOLDERS Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by a dogged and determined Italy at the Arena Gdansk in Poland yesterday in the opening Group C match at the European Championship.
Italy took the lead on 61 minutes through substitute Antonio Di Natale only minutes before the world champions equalised through Cesc Fabregas.
But Chelsea striker Fernando Torres missed two glorious late chances after coming off the bench to replace the goal-scorer.
A draw was a fair result as Italy were the better side in the first half and were fearless in taking the game to the world champions.
Both coaches sprung a surprise with their team selections as Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque opted to go without a striker, playing Fabregas between Andres Iniesta and David Silva.
Italy's Cesare Prandelli opted for Juventus reserve Emanuele Giaccherini in the left wing-back position, a role the forward is far from used to playing.
Spain came alive a minute before the break as Xavi picked out Iniesta inside the box with an arrowed pass, but his Barcelona team-mate shot too high.
Del Bosque must have said something to his players at half-time because within five minutes of the restart Fabregas had taken aim and brought a sprawling save out of Buffon.
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