International round-up

Bafetimbi Gomis's second-half winner helped France clinch a 2-1 friendly victory against hosts Italy.

Two other European heavyweights, Netherlands and Germany, went head-to-head, but nothing could separate the bitter rivals in a goalless stalemate.

Montenegro moved top of England's World Cup qualifying group with a comfortable 3-0 victory against minnows San Marino.

And former England boss Fabio Capello watched his Russia side draw 2-2 against visitors USA in a friendly.

French end It

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli hit the crossbar for Italy with a long-range shot in the 10th minute before highly rated AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawi, who has scored eight Serie A goals this term, transferred his impressive form to the international stage by netting the opener in Parma.

The Azzurri's lead lasted barely two minutes, though, as Mathieu Vabuena equalised for France before Gomis converted Patrice Evra's pass.

Both Netherlands and Germany were missing key players for their clash in Amsterdam - and it resulted in a tame match with few chances.

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus could have snatched an injury-time winner for the Germans, but blasted his shot over the bar.

Elsad Zverotic's second-half strike sealed Montenegro's win againstSan Marino after Andrija Delibasic netted a first-half brace.

Montenegro have earned 10 points from four Group H games, with second-placed England on eight after four matches.



Capello, who took over as Russia boss in the summer, extended his unbeaten run at the helm to six matches with the draw againstUSA.

Fedor Smolov and Roman Shirokov netted for the home side, but their strikes were cancelled out by American pair Michael Bradley and Mikkel Deskerud.

Argentina fielded Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria in their trip toSaudi Arabia - but the South Americans were still unable to break down their hosts in a goalless stalemate.

The match saw Messi reunited with Saudi boss Frank Rijkaard - the man who gave him his break in the Barcelona first team.

World and European champions Spain thrashed Panama 5-1 after goals from Pedro (2), David Villa, Sergio Ramos and Markel Susaeta.


Elsewhere, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez netted Uruguay's third as they won 3-1 in Poland, while ex-Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba scored inIvory Coast's 3-0 win against hosts Austria.

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke put Belgium ahead in Romania,before the hosts turned the game around to win 2-1.

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner, currently on loan at Juventus, putDenmark ahead from the spot in their 1-1 draw again

El Shaarawy keen to link up with Balotelli

Italy's Stephan El Shaarawy is hoping to forge a strong international partnership with Manchester City ace Mario Balotelli



The pair is part of Italy's squad for their friendly against France in Parma on Wednesday.



AC Milan's El Shaarawy is the joint leading goalscorer in Serie A, with eight goals, and is aiming to replicate his domestic form at international level.



"I am at the complete disposal of the coach (Cesare Prandell)," El Shaaraway told reporters.



"At Milan I have learned how to alternate attacking and defensive phases. I hope to do well with Balotelli. Prandelli has given me all of his instructions and now I have to prove my quality."



France boss Didier Deschamps has also spoken ahead of the clash and remains uncertain what approach Italy will adopt, while stressing the importance of getting a result.



"When you take on a team like Italy, who are one of the best in the world, there are always special expectations and it requires a particular level of concentration," he said.



"I don't know exactly what to expect from Italy. In terms of systems they can adapt with a three-man defence or a 4-3-3. I'm certain Cesare Prandelli will choose a very attacking side.



"It is a friendly, but the result is always important."

El Shaarawy gets long-term Milan deal

AC Milan have announced that forward Stephan El Shaarawy has signed a new five-year contract with the club.



The Italy Under-21 international arrived at San Siro just over 12 months ago as part of a co-ownership agreement with Genoa but the Rossoneri have since bought the player outright.



Following the departure of star forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Paris Saint-Germain, Milan have moved to tie El Shaarawy down to a new deal.



"AC Milan announce that they have extended the contract of Stephan El Shaarawy until June 30, 2017," a statement on the club's official website read.



The 19-year-old striker, who was born in Savona to an Egyptian father and Italian mother, scored two goals in 22 Serie A appearances last term.