Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete has demanded an explanation from UEFA over the goal disallowed to the Azzurri during Friday's 1-1 draw against Romania.

Luca Toni had scored on the stroke of half-time but his goal was ruled for offside, leaving the Azzurri fuming.

"Seeing as UEFA intervened quickly to declare that Holland's first goal (in Italy's opening 3-0 defeat) was legitimate, I expect that they say that Toni's goal was legitimate," said Abete.

"I want them to say that the assistant and the referee (Norway's Tom Henning Ovrebo), who was just metres away from the action, made a mistake.

"To have ended the first half with a 1-0 lead would have changed the tactical balance of the game."

Abete was also surprised by the referee's decision to award Romania a penalty late in the game with the score at 1-1.

Fortunately for the Azzurri, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made a stunning save to deny Adrian Mutu's spot-kick and keep his team's hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals alive.

"In a close group as this one, these decisions don't help," said Abete.

"Even the penalty awarded to the Romanians was generous.

"Now we have to focus only on winning against France, otherwise there's no point of discussing it."

Friday's result left Italy bottom of Group C but level on one point with Les Bleus, who lost 4-1 against Holland on Friday.

Italy take on France on Tuesday with both sides needing a win to progress to the next round.

However, that may not be sufficient to either side unless Holland beat Romania in the other group game.

Unbeaten Romania, who are second of their group with two points, have not ruled out their chances.

"We are still alive and we are here," said Romania captain Cristian Chivu.

"We have drawn against the world champions and the runners up of the World Cup. Now we will face Holland."

Chivu, who played five years at Eredivisie giants Ajax before moving to the Serie A, knows his team face another challenge.

Marco van Basten's side have scored a whopping seven goals and only conceded once in their opening two games.

"I was raised in Amsterdam and I know the Dutch mentality," said Chivu. "It will be a difficult game, even if they have already qualified. But we believe we can do it, we want to make our fans smile."

Romania will have to overcome the absence of midfielder Mirei Radoi.

Radoi was substituted during the encounter against Italy after a head collision and may have to undergo eye surgery.

More news from SportingLife.com