A combative Bulgaria held champions Italy to a goalless draw in their 2010 World Cup Group Eight qualifier on Saturday night.
Italy took the initiative early on at the Vasil Levski national stadium with Andrea Dossena and Antonio Di Natale causing fullback Zhivko Milanov problems with their surging runs.
The hosts tried to reply in style but Dimitar Berbatov's beautiful sideways scissors kick after a cross from Blagoy Georgiev was blocked by the Italian defence.
The pace fell off towards the end of the first half, with both teams looking nervous and unable to create any clear chances.
Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov was forced to make a substitution nine minutes before the interval when Brazilian-born left back Lucio Vagner limped off with a thigh injury.
Marcello Lippi fielded six of the Azzurri who won the World Cup in 2006 in his starting line up but his men seemed more intent on securing a point.
Bulgaria, who notched up their second successive draw, snuffed out any potential danger with an authoritative display at the back.
However, Italy nearly stole the three points in the 72nd minute when Alberto Gilardino trapped a through ball but shot wide of Dimitar Ivankov's goal.
Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni came on as a 72nd minute substitute but also failed to make an impact, with Alexandar Tunchev and Valentin Iliev marshalling the centre of the Bulgarian defence.
"We have to be pleased with this result. This is Italy after all," said Berbatov. "I hope that this point will help us a lot."
"We played against the world champions, we claimed a valuable point and we are in a good mood," added Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov.
Lippi said he was satisfied with the way his team had played.
"It was a good game. The lads played with authority and great personality," he told Rai television. "We were always trying to win the game. The new players came together well with the others."
Italy, who face Montenegro on Wednesday, top the group with seven points, three clear of the Republic of Ireland who play Cyprus next Wednesday.
