Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty as world champions Italy came from a goal down against Romania to salvage a 1-1 draw in a Group C match in Zurich and thus keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of Euro 2008, the dpa reported.
Adrian Mutu took advantage of a defensive blunder by Gianluca Zambrotta on 55 minutes to put Romania in front but within a minute Italy were level when Christian Panucci tapped in from close range after Giorgio Chiellini headed back across the goal of Bogdan Lobont.
But Italy, who lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in their opening match, were staring a second defeat in a row in the face when, with 11 minutes remaining, Panucci was adjudged to have fouled Daniel Niculae in the area.
However, Buffon managed to brilliantly parry Mutu's penalty and salvage a vital draw, which gives Roberto Donadoni's side their first point of the campaign. The result sees Romania, who played out a scoreless draw France their opening match, move on to two points.
Group leaders the Netherlands, who beat Italy 3- 0 in their opening match, play France in Berne in the day's late game.