Italy’s qualification hopes were left in the balance after a spirited 0-0 draw against Portugal in Uherske Hradiste. Both sides can still progress from Group B but Italy must now defeat England to make the semi-finals.
Italy made five changes after the defeat to Sweden, the coach, Luigi Di Biagio, dropping his captain, Matteo Bianchetti, and the Azzurrini were much improved in their new shape, with a three-man midfield.
The Portugal goalkeeper José Sá was busy early on, palming over Marco Benassi’s shot in the first 15 seconds. Domenico Berardi led the attack, outshining his opposite number Bernardo Silva in the first half. He twice created chance for Andrea Belotti. The first, after six minutes, brought a fine low save from the feet of José Sá and the second intervention by the Portugal No1 left Belotti kicking the post in frustration close to the midway point in the half.
Portugal’s first chance came after 26 minutes when Sérgio Oliveira played the ball back for João Mário, only for the forward to shoot wide.
Italy again pushed at the start of the second half, Belotti diving in bravely ahead of José Sá to flick Cristiano Biraghi’s left-wing cross against the bar. Their best chance came in the dying seconds of added time, when the Italy left-back Biraghi was clean through but could not control the ball to take advantage, leaving the game all square.
