Italy match halted for 9 mins as Albania fans throw flares

PALERMO, Sicily (AP) The World Cup qualifier between Italy and Albania was suspended for nearly nine minutes after Albania fans threw flares onto the pitch during Friday's match in Palermo.

The match was stopped in the 57th minute and the referee sent both teams into the dressing room, with Italy winning 1-0.

The referee had already stopped the match for around a minute in the first half when flares were thrown onto the pitch after Italy was awarded a penalty.

A second announcement warning the visiting fans to stop was made in the 55th but that only sparked the lighting of more flares.

Albania captain Ansi Agolli also appealed to the fans before play resumed.