Worthington praises Italian strength

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington hailed the strength of his side’s Italian opponents after slumping to a comprehensive 3-0 loss in Pisa last night.

Giuseppe Rossi, Pasquale Foggia and Sergio Pellissier all scored their first international goals for Marcello Lippi’s world champions, although Northern Ireland goalkeepers Jonathan Tuffey and Alan Mannus prevented a heavier defeat.