UEFA has left itself open to accusations of hypocrisy after announcing eye-watering ticket prices for this year’s Champions League final, with the possibility of many families being priced out of the match at Wembley.

UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti struggled yesterday to defend the prices, claiming if they were any lower it would encourage the black market and explaining there will be some Category 4 tickets available at €95 for fans of the two clubs who reach the final.

Slovakia 3 Italy 2

Slovakia 1 Italy 0

NEW ZEALAND coach Ricki Herbert was ecstatic last night after world champions Italy were saved from humiliation against his team of minnows only by a controversial penalty.

ITALY goalkeeper Federico Marchetti is excited about the opportunity to fill in for injured veteran Gianluigi Buffon tomorrow against New Zealand.

Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti is excited about the opportunity to fill in for injured veteran Gianluigi Buffon on Sunday against New Zealand.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been ruled out of the Azzurri’s match against New Zealand due to a herniated disc in his back.

DEFENDING champions Italy had to come from behind to salvage a draw in their World Cup Group F opener against Paraguay in Cape Town last night.

Italy 3 Cyprus 2

Andrea Pirlo has kept his place in the team for Italy's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria tonight.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington handed out four new caps in his starting XI with Chris Casement, Colin Coates, Corry Evans and Stephen Carter all lining up for the first time in a largely inexperienced team to face Italy.