Luxembourg scored inside the final five minutes to earn a 1-1 draw in their international friendly against Italy this evening.
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Italy looked strong from the start and were able to break the deadlock inside the opening 10 minutes when Daniele de Rossi picked out Claudio Marchisio with a cross, giving the striker an easy header.
Mario Balotelli came close to doubling their lead inside the first 15 minutes, but his finish was high of the crossbar.
The striker was in action again later in the first half as he rounded a couple of defenders before unleashing a powerful strike, but Anthony Moris made the save.
The Italians continued to look the more likely throughout the second half, but were unable to extend their lead.
Balotelli had another chance in the 57th minute when he tried to smash the ball in from close range, only to see the it bounce back of the crossbar.
Italy struck the woodwork again just moments later when De Rossi tried to head the ball back in, but the bar kept Luxembourg in the game.
The missed chances proved costly late on when Luxembourg started to see more of the ball, forcing a corner just five minutes from full time.
The delivery fell kindly for Maxime Chanot, who had risen highest in the box to head in for the equaliser, earning the visitors a draw.
Sian Cowper
