Buffon caps century with clean sheet

Italy 0-0 Netherlands
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrated his 100th game for the Azzurri by keeping a clean sheet as Marcello Lippi's side drew 0-0 with the Netherlands in a friendly between the two 2010 FIFA World Cup hopefuls.

Van Persie injury
Despite losing Robin van Persie to an injury after only 15 minutes, the Netherlands enjoyed the majority of the possession during the first half in Pescara. In fact, they created the clearest opportunity to score just five minutes later, when Dirk Kuyt's right-footed shot flashed just wide after the defending world champions' defence had failed to clear a dangerous Eljero Elia cross. Italy forward Raffaele Palladino then had a good shot saved by Maarten Stekelenburg and four minutes before half-time the Genoa CFC player fired over from close range following an Andrea Pirlo corner from the left.

Rossi chance
The visitors continued to press after the restart, only to fail to craft any threatening chances against a well-organised rearguard, in which both Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Grosso collected bookings for fouls on Kuyt. Italy finished well and went close to breaking the deadlock when substitute Giuseppe Rossi sidestepped the onrushing Stekelenburg after a good pass from Domenico Criscito, however the Villarreal CF striker was forced to go wide in the process and failed to reach the ball with the goal open.