Italy Stunned by Late Equalizer

theguardian.com

Verona, Italy - Italy was shocked on Wednesday, after suffering their second consecutive draw.  Luxembourg scored a late equalizer in Italy, raising concerns for the home side as they prepare for the World Cup.
Italy started out very strong against the small European nation with an early goal.  Claudio Marchisio scored a headed goal in the 9th minute to put the home side ahead.

Italian superstar Mario Balotelli recorded a beautiful assist with an outside-the-foot cross which Marchisio headed home past goalkeeper, Anthony Moris.

Though Moris was beaten by Marchisio, the Luxembourg man had an outstanding match, and was able to hold Italy to only one goal despite several attempts from Balotelli and company.

The keeper recorded an outstanding save on an Andrea Pirlo free kick.  However, the Italian side did not make his job easy.

A very active Mario Balotelli proved a constant threat for Luxembourg's defense.  Despite several attacking opportunities, Italy was unable to score a second goal.

Moris could not be overpowered despite several shots on goal.  Italy's best opportunity came in a one-on-one between Moris and Balotelli, but the Italian striker was unable to convert, and hit the crossbar.

Italy was even more at a loss after Luxembourg equalized in the 85th minute.  The Italians conceded a corner following a great interception by Georgio Chiellini. The corner resulted in a beautiful headed goal on the corner.

Veteran Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon was frozen after Maxime Chanot's header.

After suffering their second consecutive draw, Italy will truly be questioning the decision of leaving striker Guiseppe Rossi out of their final squad.

The lack of goal production in the matches between Luxembourg and the Republic of Ireland will surely raise the question of whether Balotelli will be able to produce goals in the World Cup.

Only one goal has been scored by the Italians in their last two matches.  Italy can now only hope that Balotelli will be able to produce, and that exempting Rossi was the right choice.