Milan, Nov 16 (IANS) Italy maintained their unbeaten streak against Germany since 1995 Friday when they drew 1-1 with the Nationalmannschaft in an international friendly.
Mats Hummels put Germany ahead first and Ignazio Abate equalized for the hosts before half an hour had been played in San Siro, reported Xinhua.
It was Joachim Loew’s 100th game as Germany coach, and seeking their first win over Italy since 1995, Germany were soon under attack from the Azzurri, whose striker pulled a shot wide after just 40 seconds.
Despite the bright start for the hosts, they still found themselves behind from Germany’s first attack, Hummels heading in off the left-hand post from a corner in the eighth minute.
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Italy were then helped by fortune not to concede another goal in the 17th minute of an open and entertaining encounter, but the woodwork came to Italy’s rescue. It did again in the 32nd minute when Andre Schuerrle pounced on a poor clearance from Leonardo Bonucci to hit the crossbar with a dipping shot.
By that stage, Italy had already levelled, Bonucci involved positively with a neat backheeled touch for Abate, who drilled a shot in off the far post with his presumed weaker left foot.
Abate admitted he was surprised to score his debut Italy goal with his left foot.
“It was at San Siro and my birthday a couple of days ago, so I’m glad it also coincided with a good result,” he said.
“It was a bit weird being up there, but Leonardo did well to give back the pass into space. I think it must be my first goal with the left foot!” he said.
“We still have a long way to go and can improve a great deal. We showed that we have great heart and always give our all in the games that count. We have a lot of quality, especially in the middle of the park, and can definitely hurt other teams,” he added.
