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KonkNaija Media | May 2, 2016

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GIFs: Italy, Nigeria Play out Thrilling Draw in Friendly at Craven Cottage

Emanuele Giaccherini of Italy Celebrates scoring

Emanuele Giaccherini of Italy Celebrates scoring

Italy and Nigeria played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in an international friendly Monday night at Fulham’s Craven Cottage in London.

Giuseppe Rossi marked his return to Italy’s starting lineup with a 12th-minute goal, bundling his finish past Austin Ejide following good work by Mario Balotelli.

Due to a long injury lay-off, Rossi, 26, had not scored for Italy since June 2011, a stretch of 899 days, per @OptaPaolo.

899 – Giuseppe Rossi’s last goal for Italy was dated June 2011 (vs Estonia): 899 days ago.

Nigeria equalised in the 35th minute through Bright Dike, who headed in Shola Ameobi’s cross from the left.

Five minutes later, Ameobi got on the scoresheet with an impressive volleyed goal from a tight angle. Nigeria took a 2-1 lead into half-time.

Italy drew level at 2-2 early in the second half.

Balotelli started a flowing move on the right, and Emanuele Giaccherini slammed in the finish on the left in the 47th minute.

Read more and watch highlights HERE