..::Football III::..

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Ukraine 1-0 Wales: Yarmolenko secures victory for hosts

An unfamiliar Wales team found no way past Ukraine as the hosts prevailed 1-0 in Monday's friendly clash in Kyiv.

Both nations were playing their last match before their respective coaches name their final squads for Euro 2016.

And, while Chris Coleman will have been satisfied with his side's dominance of possession for the most part, the sloppy defending that led to the hosts' goal will be a worry.

Despite the fact Wales' defensive line was arguably at full strength, Yarmolenko was allowed the time and space to move into the penalty area unmarked and beat Wayne Hennessey at his near post after getting on the end of a Ruslan Rotan free-kick.

The term 'friendly' seemed almost lost on Ukraine has they showed no mercy in their attempts to win back possession, and Coleman will be relieved to leave Kiev with a fully fit squad.

Wales - without star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey - rung the changes in a stop-start second half, as Mykhaylo Fomenko's men clung on to their narrow advantage.

The return to fitness of Ben Davies and Neil Taylor allowed Coleman to revert to a more familiar 3-5-2 formation, and Simon Church was rewarded for his equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland on Thursday with a start in place of the benched Sam Vokes.

Jonny Williams and Emyr Huws were also given a chance from the start in a match Coleman described as "not do or die" for his fringe players' hopes of reaching the tournament, and Wales looked comfortable on the ball early on.

Tom Lawrence forced goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov to tip over his crossbar with the first real opportunity of the match after 13 minutes, while Ukraine - sporting three changes from a 1-0 win over Cyprus last week - offered little in attack and caused more alarm with the full-blooded nature of their tackling.

Denys Garmash’s challenge on Huws proved the final straw for the referee, who brandished the yellow card for the first time after 22 minutes, before Roman Zozulya tangled with Wales captain Ashley Williams.

But after the visitors survived one momentary scare in their own box, Andriy Yarmolenko broke the deadlock by strolling into space unmarked and turning in a chipped free-kick.

The tackles continued to fly in from Ukraine after the break, with Artem Fedetskiy the third home player booked when he lunged at Taylor five minutes into the second half.The impressive Joe Allen's long-range strike was unconvincingly punched clear by Pyatov soon after, while Olexandr Kucher headed wide from a set-piece at the other end.

Walsall's Tom Bradshaw came off the bench to make his debut 17 minutes from time and forced Pyatov into a save from a header late on, but Wales were unable to salvage a draw.

 

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Khedira: Schweinsteiger is still our leader

Sami Khedira has warned against writing off stricken Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Juventus midfielder Khedira will skipper the world champions in Schweinsteiger's absence against Italy in Munich on Tuesday, with the Manchester United man having suffered partial tear of his right medial collateral knee ligament during the build-up to Saturday's 3-2 loss against England.

Khedira has suffered more than his share of injury setbacks over recent seasons and believes Schweinsteiger can return to a prominent role with Joachim Low's national team, despite his Euro 2016 participation now being in doubt.

"I have to say that it is a big honour for me to captain the Germany national team," Khedira told a news conference. "But personally it's not that important for me at the moment because Bastian Schweinsteiger is still our captain.

"Everyone who writes him off makes a big mistake. And, in fact, we have several players who can take responsibility. In the end the manager decides who wears the captaincy."

Khedira is looking forward to facing a selection of his club team-mates at the Allianz Arena, adding the move to Juventus from Real Madrid has revitalised his career."The transfer to Juventus was very important for me," he explained. "I had a really hard time at the end at Real Madrid; at Juventus I developed a new spirit.

"In tactical aspects the Italians are very clever. I'm feeling well in Italy and the level of the league is definitely higher than it is often presented in the public opinion."Khedira added: "Especially now, it's a special game for me against Italy. But there were always special games between Germany and Italy.

"It is our last friendly in preparation ahead of [the squad being selected for] the Euros. We will try to give a good performance on the pitch."

 

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'Manchester United is the right move for Mourinho'

A move to Manchester United would be the logical step for Jose Mourinho, according to former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

Mourinho has been hotly tipped to replace Louis van Gaal this summer and the Italian, who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cup trophies during his 10 years at Stamford Bridge, insists his former boss would be a good fit for United.

“It is a great team and he is a great manager, so why not? But I don’t know if it will ever happen.” Cudicini told Goal.

“I read he would like to stay in England and his family is happy in England so Manchester United is the team that would come to mind straight away.”

Mourinho was sacked just seven months after winning the Premier League title and Cudicini admits the Portuguese was let down by his players who struggled to find their feet in the new season.

“Some players were the best last year and not this,” said the Italian.

“It hasn’t been a great start to the season and you were expecting him to turn the corner but the moment struggled to arrive.

“It was a difficult situation for everybody at the club, and directors had to make a decision one way or another after results were not what they were expecting. It is not up to me to say if it was right or wrong.”

 

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Kane ready to be 'a marked man' at Euro 2016

In-form England striker Harry Kane insisted he does not mind if he becomes "a marked man" at Euro 2016 later this year.

The 22-year-old has scored 42 Premier League goals for Tottenham since the start of 2014-15 and boosted his hopes of a starting role with England at the tournament in France by netting in their 3-2 win over world champions Germany in Berlin.

Kane understands that his stock is rising in the game and feels having to cope with closer attention from opponents is something that has to be overcome if he wants to reach his goal of becoming one of the world's top stars.

"Maybe I will be a marked man in the summer," he told reporters. "Again, that is football. "If you want to be one of the top players in the world, you have to deal with that. I am happy for the challenge.

"I want to keep working hard, to keep getting better and better and to have more nights like that on Saturday, scoring more goals for England because they are special. You dream about scoring against teams like Germany on the big stage."
Kane did not want to be drawn on whether manager Roy Hodgson should pick him over captain and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney when the Manchester United forward returns from a knee injury, but revealed his confidence was sky-high.

"That is not my decision," continued Kane. "That is down to the boss. Wayne is a fantastic player, he is our skipper and Roy has made it clear he wants him involved.

"All I can do is keep working hard and give the manager a problem, but I feel like I can score against any team in the world. You have to believe in yourself as a striker, that if you get the opportunities you will put them away."

 

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Kane & Vardy​

 

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Snipers to be deployed to boost security at France v Russia

Snipers will be deployed to boost security at Stade de France for Tuesday's international friendly between France and Russia .

Paris was hit by terrorist attacks on November 13 when France were playing Germany at the stadium, with explosions taking place near the ground as part of a string of venues targeted in events that killed 130 people.

Deputy head of the Paris headquarters for public order and road traffic Laurent Simonin confirmed there will be snipers and specialist security teams on sight for France's first match back at Stade de France since the attacks.

"The snipers will be placed around the stadium," Simonin said to BFM-TV."Also, an elite unit of the French national police will be on guard during the match and will be available to intervene in the stadium or at the vicinity.

"The security features for the match are similar to what was implemented for all three games of the Six Nations Rugby with simply an extra supplementary security.

 

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Neuer withdraws from Germany squad

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has withdrawn from the squad for their friendly clash with Italy in Munich through illness.

The Bayern Munich shot-stopper, who featured in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to England in Berlin, will sit out Tuesday's fixture with a stomach complaint.

Joachim Low has Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in reserve, while Kevin Trapp and Bernd Leno will be pushing to make their international debuts.

The German squad's official Twitter accound posted: "@Manuel_Neuer has has left the squad due to a stomach illness. We wish the speediest of recoveries, Manu! #DieMannschaft."

Neuer has 64 caps for the national team and will hope to have recovered in time for Bayern's Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, with the Bavarians five points clear of closest rivals Borussia Dortmund at the summit.

 

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Wenger: I will be at Arsenal next season

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is not thinking about stepping down from the Arsenal job, as he revealed his intention to stay for at least another season.

The manager's position has been questioned by some fans, with banners appearing at the Emirates Stadium calling for the long-serving Frenchman to step down following exits from the FA Cup and the Champions League as well as poor Premier League form.

But Wenger insists that he will be back to fight again next season as he enters the final year of his three-year deal with the club.

"During the season, [that criticism] was not very welcome when you fight for the championship, especially after the Tottenham game, when we were a bit unlucky," he told beIN Sports.

"I give my best to the club I love and if I can share that love with the supporters it’s even better. I want to make sure that I give my best and that I put my knowledge at the disposal of the team.

"I am committed and have no doubt I will be there next season."

Despite the pressure, Wenger insists that he is only thinking about his own team's performances as they look to keep up a distant title bid over the last stretch of the season.

"I don't worry too much about the rest - what people say," he affirmed.

"All the rest is judgement, opinions and that is linked with belief from the last disappointment or result.

"In my job I focus on how we perform. In life, it's very important you focus on what you are appointed for - and I am appointed to perform and do the best for my club.

"My future is my future, I don't master that."

 

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Blind: England would be foolish to omit Rooney

Daley Blind believes England would be crazy not to include Wayne Rooney in their squad for Euro 2016, insisting there shouldn't even be a debate about the issue.

Rooney has strong competition for a place in Roy Hodgson's 23-man party, which will jet off to France in the summer with Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck vying for a spot alongside Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane, who are near certainties to be included providing they maintain their fitness.

The Three Lions' remarkable 3-2 comeback win over world champions Germany on Saturday came without the injured Rooney, leaving many to ponder whether England would be better off without their captain.

But Blind has lauded his Manchester United team-mate as an “exceptional” player and reckons England will definitely need him if they are to succeed at the Euros.

“When a player like Wayne Rooney is fit, then he is a very special player and he can make everything better,” said Blind.“When he is fit you are definitely going to need him. He brings something special to the team. He is exceptional and he has exceptional qualities and can make something better.

“For me it is not even a question.”


Blind was speaking ahead of the Netherlands' friendly with England at Wembley on Tuesday, with the Dutch looking to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat at the hands of France last week.

 

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Conte rules out Italy extension regardless of Euro 2016 results

Antonio Conte has ruled out extending his Italy stay, even if he leads them to Euro 2016 success in France.

The former Juventus coach will leave his post at the helm of the national team after the tournament, with the 46-year-old heavily linked to Premier League side Chelsea.Conte, whose men face Germany in a friendly on Tuesday, said there is no chance of him remaining Italy coach.

"My decision to leave is not dependent on results at the European Championship and only dependent on returning to coaching," he told a news conference."For example, after this game I will have lots of free time, maybe I will devote myself to my family.

"But I need to get back to working with players every day."Italy, who played out a 1-1 draw against Spain on Thursday, head to Munich to take on a Germany outfit fresh from a loss to England.Conte welcomed taking on a team desperate to respond to their surprise 3-2 defeat in Berlin.

"It will be an angry Germany? The result of the last friendly against England doesn't encourage us," he said."We will find an angry and determined team, but I prefer it this way."I want to see the response of the young guys with these challenges."

 

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Blind: Netherlands can learn from England young guns

Danny Blind admitted Netherlands have struggled to produce enough good footballers in recent years as he talked up England's development.

Netherlands failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and the pressure is now on the likes of Memphis Depay (22), Riechedly Bazoer (19) and Jetro Willems (21) to lead the new generation to the World Cup in two years' time.

Whether the talented trio will be consistently good enough to get the Dutch to Russia 2018 remains to be seen as a country renowned for their development attempt to rebuild, but Blind is hoping to take a leaf out of England's book.

The new English generation of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Nathaniel Clyne helped overturn a two-goal deficit in the stunning 3-2 win over Germany last week.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's showdown at Wembley, Blind said: "It's always difficult to find one special reason for what has happened. There were periods in the 1980s when we did not qualify [1982 and 1986 World Cup finals]. That’s football.

"We had great players with [Arjen] Robben, [Robin] van Persie, [Klaas-Jan] Huntelaar, [Nigel] de Jong, [Wesley] Sneijder. The players aged 25-28, they are not around. We have to deal with that. The only thing we can do is bring in young players for games like this one.

"It is currently very difficult because Holland was second at the 2010 World Cup and third in 2014 so people expect a lot from our team and it is very disappointing we did not qualify for the Euro 2016 tournament.

"Especially because the third place in the group would have been good enough to get to France. It's very disappointing … it's going to be a tough summer."Of England, who will feature at Euro 2016 in France, Blind added: "[They] have big players with big clubs. They used to have a lot of foreign players at the clubs.

"Now it appears they have more home-based English players in their league so they can build a good national team.

"That is in contrast to us, we are now rebuilding our team with extremely young players."It's a good team with young and promising players. It's more difficult to beat England than it used to be.

"Holland have had good results against England but they appear to play more modern, less predictable football now."Maybe a bit more European style [has been] influenced by all the coaches and players in the Premier League."

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2016.03.29

International Friendly Fixtures 2016.03.29

Georgia Vs Kazakhstan

Montenegro Vs Belarus

Estonia Vs Seerbia

Macedonia Vs Bulgaria

Greece Vs Iceland

Gobraltar Vs Latvia

Norway Vs Finland

Luxembourg Vs Albania

Austria Vs Turkey

Sweden Vs Czech Republic

Switzerland Vs Bosnia

Germany Vs Italy

Portugal Vs Belgium

Republic of Ireland Vs Slovakia

England Vs Netherlands

France Vs Russia

Scotland Vs Denmark​

 

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Adath thiyanawa pattama matches set 1kak​

 

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Guardiola's arrival at Manchester City won't distract United - Vidic

Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic insists the club will not become distracted from their own development when Pep Guardiola takes charge at Manchester City.

The Bayern Munich head coach will replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, having agreed a three-year deal with the 2014 Premier League champions.

Guardiola's arrival has been viewed as a major coup for City as they aim to establish supremacy over their local rivals, but Vidic says his old club will not be giving much thought to the former Barcelona boss' arrival.

"I believe he wants to be part of the best league in the world," the recently retired defender told MUTV. "All top players and the managers want to be part of English football. That's great for the players, the fans and for everyone who loves English football, but we only look at ourselves and we are not really focusing on what City does.

"That was my mentality at United and what I learned when I was there. We always look at ourselves and try to make the best possible situation from our capabilities."Guardiola's first taste of the Manchester derby will be in the International Champions Cup in China prior to the start of next season.

While the game amounts to little more than a pre-season friendly, Vidic believes it will be the perfect opportunity for some United youngsters to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard and force their way into Louis van Gaal's first team.

"They're very important for them to test themselves and it's important for the club to see if they can play at the top level," Vidic said. "We've seen this year some young players who I think have done well.

"Players like Rashford, Lingard and [Anthony] Martial are three players I believe have the potential to play for many years for United."

 

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Sergio Ramos returns to Real Madrid training ahead of El Clasico

Sergio Ramos took part in training on Tuesday as the Real Madrid captain bids to be fit in time for El Clasico.

Defender Ramos withdrew from Spain's squad for their friendly against Romania after experiencing discomfort in his back during the draw with Italy last week, prompting fears he could miss Saturday's trip to Camp Nou.

The 29-year-old's availability for the clash with Barcelona remains unclear, but he was present for "the first part of Tuesday's session before continuing to work indoors", a Madrid statement confirmed.

Several of Madrid's international contingent also took part in the session after returning from duty with their countries, including Luka Modric, Isco and Mateo Kovacic.

Zinedine Zidane's team travel to Camp Nou in third place in La Liga, 10 points adrift of leaders Barca with just eight games left to play.

 

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Rooney: I'll be back within two weeks

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has confirmed he will be fit within "seven to 10 days" as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

The England captain has been out of action since picking up the problem back in February in United's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

However, Rooney looks set to give Louis van Gaal a boost by returning to action shortly after revealing he is back in training.

"Hopefully, if everything goes to plan – I’m back outside running now – I’m hoping to be in full training in the next week or 10 days, so not too far away," he told ITV Sport.

While Rooney will miss United's clash with his former side Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday he could be fit for the trip to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham on April 10th with the FA Cup replay at West Ham just three days later.

 

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Rooney fires back at questions over his England place

Wayne Rooney insists he is not afraid of trying to win back his place in England’s side ahead of Euro 2016.

England’s comeback victory over Germany, which saw Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Jamie Vardy impress, sparked questions over Rooney’s position within Roy Hodgson’s side.

But the Manchester United captain, who is still sidelined with a knee injury, insists he is relishing the competition in the national team.

“Throughout my career, for Manchester United and England, I never take my place for granted, obviously you want to play, it’s great that the competition is there, it’s not always been there, the quality we’ve got - it’s exciting,” Rooney told ITV.

“I can’t wait to get out there and be back with the lads.

“I think it excites me, first of all I want England to be successful and win trophies, it’s great that I’m apart of that, it’s an opportunity for us to do really well in the summer.

“The decision is down to Roy Hodgson, I want to be there, I want to be involved, try and help to lead the team and be successful.

“I think in previous tournaments, if everyone’s fit more or less the team was set, but now, no one knows. The manager can play three or four teams, with different combinations, he has that quality.”

 

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Rooney: Even my son has Vardy's name on his England kit!

Even Wayne Rooney’s son doesn’t want the England captain’s name on the back of his shirt.

Rooney’s position in Roy Hodgson’s side has come under threat following the impressive performances from Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli this season.

And the Manchester United captain has revealed that his son spurned the chance to get his dad on the back of his England kit - and instead opted for Leicester City’s leading marksman.

“My lad asked me to get an England kit with Vardy on the back!” Rooney told ITV.

“Obviously the impact he’s had in the Premier League and now England, it’s great for English football if he continues that and scores more goals.”

 

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Portugal 2-1 Belgium: Nani & Ronaldo strike to seal home victory

Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo made the difference for Portugal, as the home team downed Belgium 2-1 in an emotional friendly on Tuesday.

The match had been scheduled to take place in Brussels, but was moved in the aftermath of last week's terror attacks in the Belgian capital and the visitors wore training tops with the message "In memory of all victims – Brussels, 22.03.2016" before the action got under way.

Nani gave Portugal the lead after Thibaut Courtois had pulled off a string of fine saves, the Fenerbahce winger converting a fine pass from Andre Gomes.Courtois was again helpless after 38 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0, heading in a cross from Joao Mario.

Romelu Lukaku grabbed a goal back with nearly half an hour to play, heading in a sublime cross from his brother Jordan, but Belgium - who top FIFA's rankings - could not find an equaliser.

Portugal had lost two of their three previous internationals but Fernando Santos' side were constantly threatening Belgium on the break and they will be a danger at Euro 2016 on this form.

Ronaldo had a penalty saved in Portugal's 1-0 loss against Bulgaria on Friday but his confidence was unaffected, the Real Madrid star nutmegging Jason Denayer with an early backheel.

That sumptuous skill, after nine minutes, set up Mario for a drive that Courtois blocked, with the Chelsea goalkeeper also saving Adrien Silva's follow-up.

Courtois was having a busy start to the game, turning Nani's effort away before superbly tipping Ronaldo's header on to the crossbar.

But Courtois could not continue his heroics as Portugal took a deserved lead after 19 minutes.Gomes played a smart ball into the box with the outside of his foot and Nani ran on to bend a fine finish beyond Courtois.

Dries Mertens gave Rui Patricio his first test after 36 minutes with a long-range drive that the goalkeeper easily saved and Ronaldo made it 2-0 moments later, with Mario his supplier.

Ronaldo drifted ahead of his marker to nod in the delightful cross and Gomes blazed over shortly afterwards as the hosts threatened to increase their lead further.
Guillaume Gillet's error let in Ronaldo five minutes after half-time, but he sliced his shot wide.

World number one side Belgium had won eight of their nine previous internationals but there were few signs of a comeback, as Mertens missed a good headed chance and Patricio made a fine save from Radja Nainggolan's viciously swerving free-kick.Belgium did get a goal back after 61 minutes, Everton striker Lukaku rising to head in a cross by his younger brother Jordan, who had just come on as a substitute.

Substitute Ricardo Quaresma whipped a free-kick just over the angle, as Belgium lost momentum amid a glut of changes made by each coach, and Marc Wilmots' side could not find a leveller.

 

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Germany 4-1 Italy: Ozil seals emphatic win for Low’s men

Germany ended a 21-year wait for a win over Italy as they scored two goals in each half to record a resounding 4-1 triumph in Munich on Tuesday.

Having thrown away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to England on Saturday, Joachim Low's side bounced back in style to end a seven-match winless streak against their opponents.

Toni Kroos scored his second international goal in as many matches when his right-footed attempt from just outside the area broke the deadlock in the 24th minute.

Mario Gotze headed in his 17th goal for Germany on the stroke of half-time, while any fears the hosts might suffer another second-half collapse disappeared when full-back Jonas Hector broke his duck for the national team just before the hour mark.

Mesut Ozil made it 4-0 from the spot after Sebastian Rudy had been tripped inside the area by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, although the visitors had the last word with a consolation effort from Stephan El Shaarawy.

Italy – who had knocked their opponents out of Euro 2012 – arrived on German soil fresh from an impressive performance in a 1-1 draw with reigning European champions Spain on Thursday.

Their hopes of winning an international friendly for the first time since November 2014 were also boosted by the hosts being without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Sami Khedira through illness and injury respectively.

However, Germany took the lead when Italy only partially cleared a low cross from the right wing.

The loose ball fell kindly just outside the area to Kroos, who steered a precise first-time shot beyond the diving Buffon and into the bottom right corner of the goal.

The veteran goalkeeper was able to deal with an effort from Thomas Muller soon after, tipping a curling shot over the crossbar, but could do nothing to prevent Gotze doubling Germany's lead.

Muller sent over an early cross that allowed his Bayern Munich team-mate to get in between two defenders and steer home a header.

Italy had a chance to half the deficit early in the second half, but Riccardo Montolivo poked his rushed attempt wide to the left with only goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to beat.

Germany were not so wasteful on their first real attack of the second half, Julian Draxler breaking clear of a high defensive line before squaring the ball for Hector to sweep home with his left foot.

Buffon's ill-timed tackle 15 minutes from time allowed Ozil to heap more misery on Italy, who saw defender Leonardo Bonucci carried off on a stretcher on his 50th international start.

They did at least get an 83rd-minute goal, substitute El Shaarawy firing off a quick shot that clipped defender Antonio Rudiger before reaching the back of the net.