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A late penalty from Romanian striker Mutu Adrian was saved by Italy’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon to provide Italy a 1-1 draw against Romania on Friday, June 13, 2008 during the ongoing 2008 UEFA European Football Championship. It was Christian Panucci’s being dragged down by Daniel Niculae during the 80th minute which led to the awarding of a penalty. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon lunged to his left side and reached back with his hands in order to stop the powerful shot from Mutu Adrian and the football then diverted away off the goalkeeper’s leg.
Striker Mutu Adrian, who plays for Fiorentina Italian professional football club from Florence, Tuscany, had provided Romania the lead against the World Cup champions. Adrian took benefit of a defensive goof-up caused by Gianluca Zambrotta during the 55th minute, but Christian Panucci quite made for it a minute later for Italy for his fourth goal in 55 internationals. The goal of Adrian Mutu was his 29th one in a total of 63 appearances for Romania. In Group C, Romania holds two points. On the other hand, Italy which was defeated by Neatherlands 3-0 in their opener, has one point. France must be defeated by the Italians in their final group to advance. Both the teams had come near to scoring the first half of the game.
