Inauspicious return for Lippi as Italians held by Austria

MARCELLO LIPPI failed to weave his magic in his first match since returning to the Italy helm as the Azzurri were forced to recover from two goals down to draw with Austria in a friendly in Nice last night.

Lippi included seven of his 2006 World Cup winners, while Gilardino, an unused substitute in the World Cup final two years ago, was back in the frame again after being overlooked for much of Donadoni’s reign.

Austria went ahead with their first attack. Italy failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Emmanuel Pogatetz who volleyed firmly past Buffon from 10 yards.

Lippi showed signs of frustration when Gilardino missed his third chance of the game moments later as he failed to beat Manninger in a one-on-one situation.

Having failed to take their chance to get back on level terms, Italy found themselves two behind on 39 minutes.

A long throw-in found its way to Janko, who turned in an instant to divert the ball into the top corner via a deflection off Andrea Barzagli Just as it seemed Italy would go into the interval two down, Di Natale raced forward and sent over a cross from the left which Stranzl tried to clear ahead of Gilardino but he could only strike the ball against the Italy striker’s chest and into the goal.

Italy captain Alessandro Del Piero missed the next one-on-one opportunity before a bizarre own-goal brought them level.