Germany ties 1-1 with Italy in friendly soccer match

Germany's Per Mertesacker (back) is challenged by Italy's Giampaolo Pazzini during their international friendly soccer match in Dortmund, Feb 9, 2011.

BERLIN - Italian striker Guiseppe Rossi denied Germany the first victory in 16 years against the Azzurri with his later equalizer at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.

Germany had a good opportunity against the new-look Italy to wrap up a victory since 1995. Italy staged an insecure start while Germany showed good passing on poor pitch conditions.

With 16 minutes into the match, Germany opened the scoring in front of the home crowd. After a terrific one two combination, Thomas Mueller set up for Mirsolav Klose, who had no problems to drive the ball home.

As the match progressed, Italy recovered from the shock and German defender Per Mertesacker was at the end of his tether when he fouled striker Antonio Cassano inside penalty but referee Eric Braamhaar denied the penalty.

After the break, Germany eased up and tried to kill the clock but to no effect since striker Guiseppe Rossi utilized a pass into path by defender Domenico Criscito to slot home with a follow-up shot from close distance. The draw revived the match as both sides performed an exchange of attacks without the last accuracy.

Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (R) gives a thumbs-up to his German counterpart Manuel Neuer after their friendly soccer match in Dortmund, Feb 9, 2011.

Germany's Miroslav Klose challenge Italy's Leonardo Bonucci (L) during an international friendly soccer match in Dortmund Feb 9, 2011.

(Xinhua)