Bulgaria, Italy in 0-0 draw

Bulgaria held champions Italy to a combative 0-0 draw in a 2010 World Cup Group Eight qualifier yesterday while France rallied back from 2-0 down to earn a point in Romania in Group Seven.

Italy took the initiative early on at the Vasil Levski national stadium with Andrea Dossena and Antonio Di Natale causing full back Zhivko Milanov problems with their surging runs.

The hosts tried to reply in style but Dimitar Berbatov's beautiful sideways scissors kick after a cross from Blagoy Georgiev was blocked by the Italian defence.

The pace fell off towards the end of the first half, with both teams looking nervous and unable to create any clear chances.

Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov was forced to make a substitution nine minutes before the interval when Brazilian-born left back Lucio Vagner limped off with a thigh injury.

Marcello Lippi fielded six of the Azzuri who won the World Cup in 2006 in his starting line up but his men were far from impressive and seemed more intent on securing a draw.

Bulgaria, who notched up their second successive draw, snuffed out any potential danger with an authoritative display at the back.

However, Italy nearly stole the three points in the 72nd minute when Alberto Gilardino trapped a through ball but shot wide of Dimitar Ivankov's goal.

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni came on as a 72nd minute substitute but also failed to make an impact, with Alexandar Tunchev and Valentin Iliev marshalling the centre of the Bulgarian defence.

"It was a good game. The lads played with authority and great personality," Lippi told Rai television. "We were always trying to win the game. The new players came together well with the others."

Italy, who face Montenegro on Wednesday, top the group with seven points, three clear of Ireland who have played one match less. Bulgaria visit Georgia on Oct. 15.

In Bucharest, Yoann Gourcuff put the seal on the French revival when he equalised with a venemous 25-metre shot in the 69th minute.

Earlier, forward Florentin Petre took advantage of poor defending to put Romania in front after six minutes.

Defender Dorin Goian headed the second goal from a right-wing corner by Petre before Franck Ribery pulled one back for France in the 38th minute.

Fourth-placed France have four points from three games in Group Seven, one spot above Romania on goal difference.

"We got off to a very bad start," Gourcuff said. "When we were 2-0 down we reacted well.

"I am happy I scored because I wanted to make up for a missed opportunity in the first half. A draw is a good result when you play away."

European champions Spain maintained their 100 percent record in Group Five with a straightforward 3-0 win over struggling Estonia.

Defender Juanito headed the opener from a freekick after 34 minutes and soon after David Villa put away a penalty to double the advantage with his fourth goal in three qualifiers.