Lippi leads Azzurri to verge of new world record

ATHENS: Italy coach Marcello Lippi equalled the world record of 31 successive international games without defeat when his side drew 1-1 in a friendly with Greece on Wednesday.

Fanis Gekas put Greece ahead in the 50th minute but Luca Toni equalized five minutes later to secure the draw that took Lippi level with Javier Clemente of Spain and Alfio Basile of Argentina.

Lippi, who has reached the mark over two stints with Italy, also beat the Italian record of 30 set by Vittorio Pozzo between 1935 and 1939.