The Italians struggled hard to qualify for the second round stage whereas the Nigerians advanced into the knockout stages as the group winners. Italy with Roberto Baggio suffering a lean patch found it tough to cope with a spirited Nigerian unit. From the start of the match, Italy pressed hard but the Nigerian defence was solid enough to dent any of the Italians efforts. Amunike gave Nigeria the lead and midway through the second half, Franco Zola was shown a red card and Italy were down with just ten men. With just minute and half left the Nigerians were all set to script glory but, a quick move down the right fed Roberto Mussi, who did well to carry the ball into the box. He slid it perfectly into the path of Baggio, who forgot his struggles and with his first touch calmly slotted the ball inside the left post from 14 yards out. The Divine Ponytail was in full swing, celebrating for the first time in the tournament – just when needed most. The match went into extra-time. Ten minutes into the first-half of extra-time, Italy were awarded a penalty and Baggio scored from the penalty spot and took the lead. The Nigerians did get one last opportunity to come back, but a Dino Baggio gallant clearance dented their hopes. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. The Italians were back on song.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 11:17:49 +0000
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