Stoic Scots beaten in Italy
Toni was on target twice to beat Scotland
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Wednesday, 28, Mar 2007 11:27
Two headed goals by Fiorentina striker Luca Toni helped Italy beat Scotland 2-0 in their Euro 2008 group B qualifier in Bari.
Toni looked dangerous from the very start of the game and came close with two chances before he finally opened the scoring after 12 minutes.
Full-back Massimo Oddo curled in a free-kick and Toni towered above his marker to nod home from close range.
The Italian midfielders dominated proceedings and were able to stretch their Scottish counterparts for much of the first half as Alex McLeish's men fought to stay in the match.
However, it was the Scots who finished the first 45 minutes on top. Kenny Miller broke down the flank and cut the ball back towards Lee McCulloch but he failed to make contact.
Miller then had a chance of his own, glancing a header wide from six yards out.
In the second half Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon had to be at his best to keep his side in the match, making two excellent saves from Antonio Di Natale when the Italian was through one-on-one.
Toni then made sure of the points with 20 minutes remaining. This time he met Mauro Camoranesi's cross at the far post and had an easy header to make it 2-0.
Scotland pushed to get a goal back but a blocked shot from Craig Beattie late on was as close as they came.
Italy are now two points behind Scotland with a game in hand while Ukraine moved top of the table on goal difference with a 1-0 win over Lithuania.