Pazzini ban reduced to one match

Giampaolo Pazzini's ban for being sent off in Italy's 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in April has been reduced from three World Cup qualifying matches to one by FIFA.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced the Sampdoria striker was partially successful in his appeal against the punishment for being adjudged to have used his elbow after just four minutes in the match on April 1 in Bari.

Pazzini will now only miss the qualifier in Tbilisi against Georgia on September 5, but will be available for selection against Bulgaria in Turin four days later.

The 24-year-old played for the world champions in a 3-0 friendly win over Northern Ireland on June 6 but was not included in Marcello Lippi's squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

The Azzurri are one point ahead of Ireland in World Cup qualifying Group Eight with a game in hand.

Source: Reuters