FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Italy 2-2 Armenia

Italy twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Armenia this evening, with Mario Balotelli grabbing his side’s equaliser late in the second half.

Armenia needed a win to keep alive their slim hopes of making the play-offs, though Denmark’s defeat of Malta was to make that academic, and did everything they could to secure victory against Cesare Prandelli’s men

The visitors took the lead early on after Alberto Aquilani needlessly gave away possession, which allowed Yura Movsisyan to steal in and rifle the ball past the Italian goalkeeper.

Italy hit back in the 27th minute through Alessandro Florenzi, who headed home Lorenzo Insigne’s cross from close range after Daniel Osvaldo robbed possession high up the pitch.

However, following the break, Armenia put themselves back in front thanks to great work from Henrikh Mkhitaryan whose flick hit the bar and bounced over the line.

Substitute Balotelli collected Andrea Pirlo’s ball to smash home in 77th minute and earn Italy a draw.

In Group B, Italy have already booked their spot at Brazil 2014, with 22 points, Denmark has 16 points, Czech Republic – 15, Bulgaria – 13, Armenia – 13 and Malta – 3.