Zurich  - Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty as world champions Italy
came from a goal down against Romania to salvage a 1-1 draw in a Group
C match in Zurich and thus keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the
knockout stages of Euro 2008.

Adrian Mutu took advantage of a defensive blunder by Gianluca Zambrotta
on 55 minutes to put Romania in front but within a minute Italy were
level when Christian Panucci tapped in from close range after Giorgio
Chiellini headed back across the goal of Bogdan Lobont.

But Italy, who lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in their opening match, were
staring a second defeat in a row in the face when, with 11 minutes
remaining, Panucci was adjudged to have fouled Daniel Niculae in the
area.

However, Buffon managed to brilliantly parry Mutu's penalty and salvage
a vital draw, which gives Roberto Donadoni's side their first point of
the campaign. The result sees Romania, who played out a scoreless draw
France their opening match, move on to two points.

Group leaders the Netherlands, who beat Italy 3-0 in their opening match, play France in Berne in the day's late game. (dpa)