Azzurri held in Belfast

Northern Ireland earned what could be an extremely valuable point after holding Italy to a 0-0 draw in Euro 2012 qualifying.

Goalless draw in Group C clash at Windsor Park

Northern Ireland earned what could be an extremely valuable point in their quest to qualify for Poland and Ukraine 2012 after holding Italy to a 0-0 draw at Windsor Park. The Azzurri arrived in Belfast as favourites for the European Championship qualifier, and despite their woeful showing in this summer's World Cup, would have been expecting to make it three wins from three in Group C. But Nigel Worthington's men had different ideas and put in a stout defensive display to hold out for a goalless stalemate which puts them third in the standings. David Healy missed a glorious chance just after the half-hour mark for the home side, nodding a Chris Brunt cross wide from close range when he should have at least hit the target. Italy, though, were the dominant force throughout but neither Marco Borriello, Antonio Cassano or Simone Pepe could take chances to steal the points.

Feverish

With a feverish crowd behind them Northern Ireland won a corner in the eighth minute and that got a roar of approval. Grant McCann swung the ball in and goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano punched it clear under pressure. It broke to Chris Brunt, who miskicked but the game came to a halt following a foul on the goalkeeper. Italy launched a swift counter-attack in the 13th minute and Domenico Criscito broke clear only to drag his shot across the face of the area and wide of the post. Back came Northern Ireland and Brunt tried his luck from distance following a short free-kick by Steven Davis but his effort was blocked. It was an even game at this stage and Simone Pepe got into a good position. However, he miscued his shot in front of goal and failed to test veteran goalkeeper Maik Taylor. Northern Ireland squandered a great chance to take the lead in the 31st minute following a deep cross from the right by Brunt to the far post. Healy was the first to react but sent his header the wrong side of the post when it seemed he must score. Italy suddenly broke down the middle. Borriello was left with a one-on-one with Taylor only for the goalkeeper to stand tall and block his close-range drive. The rebound fell at the feet of Antonio Cassano but he curled a shot wide of the post. Northern Ireland then had a penalty appeal waved away by French referee Tony Chapron after Daniele De Rossi appeared to handle the ball in the area. There was more entertainment from the crowd than on the pitch with both sides creating few chances.

Missed chance

However, Borriello found himself in space in the 62nd minute but he failed to trouble Taylor as his finish was weak. Worthington then made his first change in the 66th minute when Healy was replaced by Kyle Lafferty. The Rangers striker came into the game in a good run of form after scoring in the victory against Hearts at the weekend and a hat-trick in the defeat of Dunfermline. Lafferty quickly won a corner and McCann flighted the ball in only to see it safely taken by the goalkeeper. Northern Ireland were playing with a degree of confidence and Feeney saw a header narrowly clear the bar in the 72nd minute. Two minutes later it was Italy's turn to go close when Antonio Cassano's effort was superbly tipped over by Taylor. Substitute Giampaolo Pazzini could have sealed it for Italy in the 86th minute but wasted the chance and headed wide of the post. Then in a rousing finish Davis saw his shot parried by the goalkeeper after a one-two with substitute Niall McGinn.

Northern Ireland	Team Statistics	Italy
0	Goals	0
0	1st Half Goals	0
2	Shots on Target	6
4	Shots off Target	9
3	Blocked Shots	4
8	Corners	5
15	Fouls	18
1	Offsides	2
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
64.2	Passing Success	82
8	Tackles	10
87.5	Tackles Success	60
32.6	Possession	67.4
47	Territorial Advantage	53