Italy were profligate in Belfast, managing only a point.
Italy were left to rue a series of missed chances, as they could only manage a point against Northern Ireland in Belfast. As expected, coach Cesare Prandelli fielded a trident of Marco Borriello, Simone Pepe, and Antonio Cassano, but all three were unable to find a way past their opponents.
The first real chance fell to Northern Ireland's David Healy, but he headed wide from a promising position.
Then Borriello latched onto an Andrea Pirlo ball, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Taylor.
Italy also had a chance late on when Giampaolo Pazzini's header down was shot wide of the mark by Giuseppe Rossi, who replaced Simone Pepe late in the second half.
A 0-0 draw was a useful result for Italy given that Serbia fell to a shock 3-1 defeat to Estonia. However, coach Cesare Prandelli must have been wanting all three points, especially given how many chances Italy created.
Signs are generally positive for Italy, but they need to finish their opportunities. Italy host Serbia in Genoa on Tuesday for their next Euro2012 qualifier.
The first real chance fell to Northern Ireland's David Healy, but he headed wide from a promising position.
Then Borriello latched onto an Andrea Pirlo ball, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Taylor.
Italy also had a chance late on when Giampaolo Pazzini's header down was shot wide of the mark by Giuseppe Rossi, who replaced Simone Pepe late in the second half.
A 0-0 draw was a useful result for Italy given that Serbia fell to a shock 3-1 defeat to Estonia. However, coach Cesare Prandelli must have been wanting all three points, especially given how many chances Italy created.
Signs are generally positive for Italy, but they need to finish their opportunities. Italy host Serbia in Genoa on Tuesday for their next Euro2012 qualifier.
