October 12, 2012 1:00 PM EDT
Hrazdan — Yerevan
Referee: M. Strahonja
Attendance: 32000
Italy
Armenia
Armenia
Italy
Goal.com Rating 
Fans' Rating Armenia 1-3 Italy: Pirlo, De Rossi and Osvaldo see off stubborn hosts
It was never an easy ride for the Azzurri, who were given a stern test from the spirited hosts, but two second-half goals were enough to give them all three points.
By Keeghann Sinanan
Andrea Pirlo opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a penalty kick, but a relentless response from Armenia saw the hosts deservedly draw level through the in-form Henrick Mkhitaryam just before the 30-minute mark. The home side continued to put Italy under large amounts of pressure in the second half, but headers from Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Osvaldo sent the Azzurri on their way to all three points.
What threatened to be a walk in the park for the visitors never materialized, as Armenia was able to fight its way back into the game not long after going behind. Armenia’s endeavor was rewarded in the 27th minute, thanks to a defensive mix-up from Italy and a sequence of sheer determination and skill from Mkhitaryan.
The Shakhtar midfielder, who has already racked up 15 goals for his club in the new season, pounced on a weak clearance from Christian Maggio and raced past the challenge of Andrea Barzagli before slotting past Gianluigi Buffon into the corner.
Despite Italy beginning to regain control, Armenia’s spirit endured. A sweeping counter attack saw Mkhitaryam feed Davit Manoyan unmarked at the far post, and only a splendid save from Buffon prevented a goal. The Italy keeper was on his game moments later to thwart a powerful drive from former Major League Soccer striker Yura Movsisyan.Yet just when it looked like Armenia’s pressure would tell once again, De Rossi stepped up to send the Azzurri back in front, completely against the run of play. Pirlo was the architect, bending a glorious cross right onto the head of the Roma vice-captain, who crashed his header in off the crossbar.
Once again though, Armenia looked to his back quickly. Mkhitaryam outmuscled Leonardo Bonucci with ease near the byline before teeing up Movsisyan yards from goal, but a fantastic covering challenge from halted a surefire goal.
With eight minutes to go though, Armenia’s hopes were extinguished once and for all. De Rossi's free kick was met by Osvaldo, who guided a header expertly into the far corner to give Italy the breathing space they so desperately needed.
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Top & Flop Global Ranking
Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Edin Dzeko Striker Man City |
7 | 0 |
|
Tomer Hemed Striker Mallorca |
6 | 0 |
|
Mesut Özil Midfielder Real Madrid |
5 | 2 |
|
Wayne Rooney Striker Man United |
5 | 1 |
|
Robin van Persie Striker Man United |
5 | 1 |
