Italy ties Greece 1-1; Lippi matches record

ATHENS, Greece
Soccer Summaries, AP - 2 months ago

Coach Marcello Lippi equaled a record unbeaten streak Wednesday when Italy rallied to a 1-1 tie against Greece in an exhibition game.

Luca Toni headed in a free kick from Daniele De Rossi in the 54th minute, only four minutes after substitute Fanis Gekas had given Greece the lead.

Lippi guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup title and hasn't lost as coach of the team in 31 games in two stints with the squad. He matched the record shared by Javier Clemente of Spain and Alfio Basile of Argentina.

After four games, Italy leads its qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup with 10 points, three ahead of Ireland. Greece is leading its group with nine points, but its lead was cut to one point after losing to Switzerland last month.

The Italians controlled most of the game at Karaiskaki Stadium and were denied more goals by reserve goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas. He saved shots from Gennaro Gattuso and striker Giuseppe Rossi early in the first half, and dived to block a powerful effort from Mauro Camoranesi in the 58th.