Wasteful Italy held at home by Ukraine

Italy were made to rue a number of missed opportunities as they squandered a one-goal lead to draw at home to Ukraine.

The Azzurri, with only one win in their last nine games, started on the front-foot with the attacking trident of Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne causing the Ukrainian defence all kind of problems. It was the latter who came closest with a curling shot which demanded slightly more bend to beat the goalkeeper.

Ukraine had goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov largely to thank for the clean-sheet at the half-time break but the Shakhtar Donetsk shot-stopper went from hero to zero after the restart when he allowed Bernardeschi's weak effort to escape his grasp.

The visitors, however, weren't behind for long when they grabbed an equaliser out of nothing, Ruslan Malinovskiy converting from close range after the Italians failed to deal with a corner delivery.

Ukraine coach Andri Shevchenko may even have capped his return to Italy with a stunning victory: Malinovskiy rattled the crossbar with a free-kick, while substitute Taras Stepanenko brought out a great save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Ciro Immobile spurned a couple of late chances as Italy were forced to settle for another draw and another frustrating result. Roberto Mancini's side have won only once this calendar year, scoring just six times with two goals coming against Saudi Arabia in a friendly.

More often than not international friendlies are played out a snail's pace with the players barely bothered to break sweat - hence why the Nations League was introduced. But the Italians, whose struggles in recent years are well documented, were clearly out to impress their manager Mancini and this was an improved showing. The Azzurri played with a lovely tempo and a lot of energy, something we haven't seen in some time from the boys in blue. They are, however, missing that spark in the final-third; a really special player who can turn a game on its head; a player who will transform draws into wins.

Marco Verratti (Italy): The Paris Saint-Germain playmaker was at the heart of the majority of Italy's attacks. The 25-year-old controlled the tempo in midfield and his deliveries from set-pieces caused chaos in the Ukraine defence.

Italy: Donnarumma 7; Florenzi 6, Bonucci 7, Chiellini 7, Biraghi 6; Verratti 8, Jorginho 7, Barella 7; Bernardeschi 7, Insigne 7, Chiesa 7. Subs: Criscito N/A, Piccini N/A, Pellegrini 5, Berardi 5, Bonaventura 5, Immobile 4.

Ukraine: Pyatov 6; Karavaev 6, Burda 7, Rakitskiy 7, Matviyenko 6; Marlos 6, Zinchenko 6, Sydorchuk 7, Malinovskyi 8, Konoplyanka 7; Yaremchuk 6. Subs: Kravets 5, Stepanenko 6, Petriak 5, Tsyhankov 5.

7' - CLOSE! Verratti's floated corner delivery is inch-perfect for Bouncci who tries the spectacular. But his acrobatic volley is brilliantly saved by the Ukraine no 1.

22' - JUST WIDE! Insigne looks like he is in the mood. And the Napoli forward would have registered on the score-sheet a moment ago if he could have got slightly more curl in his right-footed shot. Pyatov was beaten.

55' - GOAL! Italy 1-0 Ukraine: ITALY HAVE THE BREAK-THROUGH! It's a horrible mistake from the goalkeeper. Bernadeschi's left-footed daisy-cutter looks comfortable for Pyatov but he can only push the ball over his body and into the net.

62' - GOAL! Italy 1-1 Ukraine: THE VISITORS ARE LEVEL! A corner delivery finds Malinovskiy who swings a hopeful boot at the loose ball, it takes two bounces and ends up in the back of the net. A goal out of nowhere.

70' - OFF THE BAR! Florenzi trips Konoplyanka and Ukraine are awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area. Up steps Malinovskyi who bends the ball around the wall and is denied only by the crossbar! Donnarumma may have got a slight touch.

71' - GREAT SAVE! Ukraine keep the ball alive on the flank and it's whipped into the heart of the penalty area where Stepanenko rises highest, but his bullet-header is kept out by Donnarumma.

90'+2 - LATE CHANCES! Both squandered by Immobile. In the first instance he takes a heavy touch when played through on goal. Moments later he has another opportunity, only this time to fire wide from the top of the 'D'.