Italy frustrated by Northern Ireland

Italy were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland in their Euro 2012 qualifying match here Friday, dropping their first points of the campaign in a dour battle.

The four-time world champions enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and by far the better goalscoring opportunities, but ultimately had to settle for only a point in front of a spirited Windsor Park crowd.

The result left Italy top of Group C with seven points from three matches, one point ahead of Estonia, who stunned Serbia 3-1 in Belgrade. Northern Ireland have four points from two matches.

It was a disappointing outing for Italy, who dominated for large parts of the game but were unable to find the goal which would have taken them four points clear at the top of the group.

A gritty first half saw Northern Ireland squander a gilt-edged chance to take the lead on 30 minutes, when an unmarked David Healy nodded wide from an inviting cross from the right hand side by Chris Brunt.

Italy also could have taken the lead moments later, when Marco Borriello was put clear on goal only to hammer his shot directly at Northern Irish keeper Maik Taylor, who was able to parry away.

Antonio Cassano’s curling follow-up shot went wide.

Northern Ireland had legitimate appeals for a penalty turned down moments later when Daniele De Rossi appeared to handle the ball in the area. French referee Tony Chapron remained unmoved, however.

Italy controlled play after the restart but again struggled to find a way through some resolute Northern Ireland defending.

Andrea Pirlo wasted a glorious chance on 69 minutes when he blazed over the bar from just inside the area. Simone Pepe added insult to injury moments later when he shot across the face of goal after being picked out by Cassano.

Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini spurned another clear chance four minutes from time when he headed across the face of goal with Taylor beaten, Giuseppe Rossi failing to connect with a follow-up.

Italy, who opened their qualifying campaign with victories over Estonia and Faroe Islands last month, face Serbia in Genoa on Tuesday.