Italy draw 0-0 with Ukraine to extend unbeaten run

ROME, June 2: Italy stretched their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a 0-0 draw against fellow World Cup finalists Ukraine in a friendly match played in Lausanne today.

The result provided scant comfort for the Azzurri, who lacked the inspiration that showed in wins over the Netherlands and Germany in friendly matches earlier this year.

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi went closest to scoring for Italy just before halftime, when he headed powerfully towards goal only to watch keeper Oleksander Shovkovsky palm the ball round the post at full stretch.

The Ukrainians, who will be taking part in the World Cup for the first time this month, limited themselves to defence for most of the match.

They almost snatched a late winner, however, when Andriy Voronin went through alone on goal but failed to lift the ball over keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Reuters