England

3-3

Italy

Bentley 30, Routledge 52, Derbyshire 58

Pazzini 1, 53, 68

Under-21 International Friendly
12.30pm, Saturday 24 March 2007
Wembley Stadium
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24 March 2007
VIDEO: Nigel Pearson at Wembley
After leading the Under-21s out at the first game at the new Wembley, Nigel Pearson says it is a great honour.
After leading out the first England side at the new Wembley Stadium, Nigel Pearson says that England have a home to be proud of.

Witnessing the thrilling 3-3 draw between England, Pearson reflected on an incrediblehonour to be part of the first game and gave his seal of approval.

Pearson, who captained Sheffield Wednesday at the old Wembley in the FA Cup final back in 1993, said: "For the players it was a historic day. Fantastic. It was a privilege to be involved.

"I am very proud to be part of it, to be in charge today was a major honour for me.

"English football has got its identity back as a home. When it is full it will be a terrific atmosphere.''

The crowd of more than 55,000 fans were treated to an incredible spectacle, as Fiorentina striker Gianpaolo Pazzini ensured an exciting game would ensue as he scored the first goal after just 29 seconds.

England responded through David Bentley, Wayne Routledge and Matt Derbyshire - but those strikes were punctuation marks in an impressive hat-trick for Pazzini that ensured he will go down in the history books for more than one reason.

Pearson added: "The old Wembley had a tradition where you grew up watching the previous generations and when you actually walked out there yourself it had an emotional effect upon you.

"This place will have a similar effect for this generation. The match was a bit too open for my liking.

"But you need to find out how players cope with pressure and there were some very positive performances.''