An excellent performance and the support of 3600 fans at the Stadio Del Duca weren’t enough for Italy to get the better of Germany in their penultimate Elite League fixture. Today’s match finished 1-1, with Vergani equalising late on to earn the Azzurrini a fully deserved draw against Germany. The Germans took the lead through Tauer in the 55th minute, but, after the visitors had been reduced to ten men following Schmidt’s sending-off, the Salernitana striker got on the end of Oristanio’s fantastic ball and beat Gebhardt from close range. With Messegue also receiving a red card for the guests, the Azzurrini pushed hard for a winner, but ultimately it wasn’t to be. Despite showing plenty of courage and creating various chances, Italy weren’t able to overtake their opponents in the standings.

Nevertheless, Head Coach Bollini was full of praise for his side: “I’d like to compliment the lads on how they interpreted the game. We played with passion and at a high tempo, showing great commitment and trying to pick up the three points until the very end. We were a bit hasty in some circumstances, but I can’t fault the lads.”

The Azzurrini will continue to train in Ascoli, where they’ve been given a really warm welcome, for another two days before departing for Norway on Sunday. On Monday, they’ll play their final match of the tournament in Sarpsborg.

Italy 1-1 Germany

Goals: 55’ Tauer (G), 77’ Vergani (I)

ITALY (4-3-3): Russo; Ghislandi, Riccio, Carboni, Calafiori (72’ Ponsi); Milanese, Leone (27’ Cangiano), Sekulov; Oristanio, Moro (57’ Vergani), Esposito. Subs: Sorrentino, Barbieri, Papetti, Circati, Zuelli, Volpato, Bianco, Greco, Franchi, Ciervo. Head Coach: Bollini

GERMANY (3-4-3): Gebhardt; Beifus, Calhanoglu (64’ John), Schmidt; Lawrence, Tauer, Obuz, Rohl; Woltemade, Nebel (27’ Atemona), Samardzic (64’ Scott). Subs: Schreiber, Rosenboom, Herrmann, Messeguem, Hartwig, Unbehaun. Head Coach: Worns

REFEREE: Sacchi. Assistants: Saccenti and Scarpa. Fourth official: Baroni

Notes: Schmidt and Messeguem sent off, Riccio, Tauer and Scott booked