(CNN) -- Italy dropped their first points of the Euro 2012 campaign after being held 0-0 by minnows Northern Ireland on Friday night, but World Cup finalists Spain and the Netherlands maintained their 100 percent records along with Germany.
Cesare Prandelli had presided over two consecutive Group C wins after taking charge of Italy following a miserable World Cup campaign, but his team could not break down a stubborn Irish side in Belfast.
It was the first match there between the two nations in 52 years, when Italy lost 2-1 and missed out on reaching the World Cup finals while their hosts went through.
Northern Ireland, who have never qualified for the European Championship, beat Slovenia 1-0 in their opening game last month and should have taken the lead in the 31st minute when all-time leading scorer David Healy headed wide from Chris Brunt's teasing cross.
Italy striker Marco Borriello was denied one on one by keeper Maik Taylor, and Antonio Cassano curled the rebound wide, before teammate Daniele De Rossi was lucky not to concede a penalty for handball.
CNN
