Denmark vs. Italy: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Italy scraped a 2-2 draw in Copenhagen in a thrilling encounter against Denmark.

Alberto Aquilani deflected Pablo Osvaldo's angled drive past the helpless Stephan Andersen to leave the race for the play-off place and runner-up spot in group B wide open.

Denmark are level with Bulgaria on 13 points, while the Czech Republic and Armenia are just a further point away with one game remaining.

Italy had qualified as group winners before tonight, leading to Cesare Prandelli fielding a somewhat experimental line-up.

Regardless, the Azzurri took the lead through Southampton striker Osvaldo, who scampered on to a Thiago Motta pass before clipping the ball into the back of the net with real confidence.

"

Here's the goal Osvaldo scored for Italy against Denmark tonight. http://t.co/FTs7a5CVTp #saintsfc

— Southampton Saints (@SaintsRelated) October 11, 2013"

The Argentine-born striker certainly impressed in the absence of Mario Balotelli and although the Milan striker is undroppable, Osvaldo's impact may force Cesare Prandelli to consider using two forwards.

Denmark reacted brilliantly, however, led by Nicklas Bendtner, who put in a storming performance that might alert European clubs given his lack of action for Arsenal.

Bendtner struck on the stroke of half-time to level matters with a powerful header at the back post from a Michael Krohn-Delhi cross.

The 25-year-old leapt high above Federico Balzaretti, powering a header into the ground that bounced into the roof of the net and past a despairing Gianluigi Buffon.

The game was bubbling and it well and truly boiled over in the second half with Italy admirably playing their part and honouring the other teams in the group.

Parken Stadium appeared to be hosting a basketball game rather than a football match, as both sides began to create openings with every attack.

Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen hit the bar with a curling free-kick before Claudio Marchisio went through one-on-one, but his effort was tame.

Denmark went close to taking the lead as Andreas Bjelland lashed a half-volley towards goal, the ball cannoning off the upright and failing to drop kindly for Bendtner who was waiting to prod past the prone Buffon, on the ground after diving for the previous shot.

"

Nicklas #Bendtner's 2nd (!) goal vs Italy tonight: http://t.co/3oGcNtFJZ5 via @youtube

— Arsène's Sön (@hughwizzy) October 11, 2013"

Alessio Cerci injected some fluidity to Italy's transitions when intercepting Denmark and the Torino star led a dangerous counter-attack that culminated in a weak effort from Antonio Candreva, whose effort was easily tipped around the post by Andersen.

Bendtner gave Denmark the lead with a carbon copy of the opening goal for the hosts, with Krohn-Delhi standing up another ball for the big centre-forward to attack.

Again, Balzaretti was hopeless in the air and the ball exploded off Bendtner's head, spinning away from Buffon into the far corner as the Parken erupted with joy.

The Azzurri were not finished, though, and Osvaldo caressed the ball down at the back post and cut inside a rather static Lars Jacobsen to fire across goal.

Aquilani appeared to be marginally offside, but Daniel Agger was far too deep and as Andersen dived towards the far post, Aquilani deflected the shot into the centre of the goal to earn a share of the spoils.

Denmark Game Ratings

Top: Bendtner

A total nuisance for Italy and, aside from two outstanding goals with his head, his movement was noticeably better than it has been whenever he has stepped on to the pitch for his club over the last year or so.

Bendtner linked with the midfield well, accurately distributing to the wide areas, constantly offering a target through the middle and making life much easier for the wingers.

A spin and a feint did for Italy's back line, working half a yard of space, an ample advantage for the centre-forward to use his frame to outmuscle his opponents constantly in the air.

Flop: Agger

Nutmegged by Osvaldo for the first goal and was too slow to react, turned far too easily when it was clear that the Italian would be through on goal if he came inside.

Lazy in not getting out quick enough when Osvaldo cut back to shoot at the death of the game, keeping Aquilani onside to allow the equaliser.

Italy Game Ratings

Top: Osvaldo

Some outstanding link-up play with the supporting midfielders and looked a constant threat when presented with a chance in front of goal.

Really pleasing to see a centre-forward strike a ball so cleanly when given the time and space, and can be a aerial option when Italy chase the game.

Flop: Balzaretti

Nervous in possession and a liability when defending crosses in the air.

Responsible for ball-watching in the build-up to both goals and bottling the challenge with the stronger Bendtner. 

What's next for Denmark

A home game versus Malta, which they should easily negotiate. Then the attention will turn to Bulgaria's home match with the Czech Republic—if they fail to win, Denmark would seize the play-off place.

What's next for Italy

Another dead rubber for the four-time winners, who host Armenia in Naples.

Prandelli will probably continue to experiment with fringe players as the Azzurri continue preparations for Brazil.

Follow @jackrathborn