The New Age Online, South Africa
Oct 13 2012
Italy beat Armenia 3-1
Italy veteran Andrea Pirlo scored one goal and created another as the
Azzurri labored to a 3-1 win over Armenia in World Cup qualifying
Friday.
Pirlo fired Italy ahead in the 11th minute from the penalty spot
following Hrayr Mkoyan’s handball. But Armenia leveled in the 28th
through Shakhtar Donetsk’s impressive Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Daniele De Rossi headed Italy back in front shortly after the hour
mark before Pablo Osvaldo sealed the result with his third goal in as
many qualifiers.
It is Italy’s 33rd match without defeat in World Cup and European
Championship qualifying matches.
Italy was without Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, who –
although initially included in the starting lineup Thursday – had not
recovered from flu in time. He was replaced by Juventus forward
Sebastian Giovinco.