International round-up: Giovanni Trapattoni short on options as Greece experiment fails The Italian's experimental side, which featured Ciaran Clark, James McCarthy, James McClean and Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan, competed well but was were unable to carve out the crucial openings. As a result, Holebas's 29th-minute strike left Trapattoni's detractors with enough ammunition to maintain their opposition to his presence at the helm heading into March's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria. The 73 year-old, finally bowing to mounting pressure, handed youth a chance as his side brought an end to their 2012 campaign and tried to do so in style against the national currently ranked 12th by Fifa. France came back from a goal down to beat Italy 2-1, sending the Azzurri to their sixth consecutive friendly defeat. After Stephen El Shaarawy gave Italy the lead in the 35th minute, Mathieu Valbuena equalised and substitute Bafetimbi Gomis scored the 67th-minute winner. Italy striker Mario Balotelli hit the crossbar with a long-range shot. Lionel Messi drew a rare blank as Argentina could only labour to a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Visitors Germany had to settle for a 0-0 draw against old foes Holland despite dominating possession, also in a friendly. Mario Goetze was twice denied by Dutch defender John Heitinga in the first half while Marco Reus shot just wide for the Germans.