InterNationals: Italy draw with Bulgaria

FLORENCE – Italy drew their first competitive game since being crowned European champions back in July. The Azzurri took the lead through Federico Chiesa in the 16th minute in the qualifier for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Bulgaria at the Stadio Franchi in Florence, only for Atanas Iliev to equalise for the visitors with 40 minutes on the clock.

Three wins and a draw from four qualifiers leave Italy in a strong position at the top of group C, with Thursday’s result following on from a trio of 2-0 victories over Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania.

Barella played for 64 minutes, while Alessandro Bastoni was an unused substitute.