The match came just two days after Nigeria secured qualification for the World Cup, but Stephen Keshi's much-changed side showed great heart to hit back through Bright Dike and Shola Ameobi after Giuseppe Rossi had marked his international return by breaking the deadlock.

Italy equalised shortly after half-time through Emanuele Giaccherini, but despite the Azzurri twice hitting the frame of the goal in an occasionally frenetic second period, they were unable to avoid succumbing to a fourth consecutive draw.