Italy hold Champions Spain to a draw

Holders Spain had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Italy in their Group C opener in Gdansk.Italy had gone ahead in the 61st minute when substitute Antonio di Natale - who had only been on the pitch for five minutes after replacing Mario Balotelli - slotted home playmaker Andrea Pirlo's superb pass.However, the Spanish drew level three minutes later as David Silva's beautifully-weighted pass found Cesc Fabregas, who made no mistake.Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque had originally not selected a recognised striker in the line-up but sent on Fernando Torres later in the second-half.However, he had few chances with his best one seeing his chip sail over the bar with Italian 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon well off his line.

Source: AFP