Bulgaria held champions Italy to a combative 0-0 draw in a 2010 World Cup Group Eight qualifier.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi fielded six of the players who won the 2006 World Cup in his starting line up but the visitors were far from impressive.
However, they nearly stole all three points in the 72nd minute when Alberto Gilardino trapped a through ball and shot wide of Dimitar Ivankov's goal.
Bulgaria were unable to create any clear-cut chances of their own but snuffed out any potential danger with an authoritative display at the back.
'It was a good game. The lads played with authority and great personality,' Lippi said. 'We were always trying to win the game. The new players came together well with the others.'
Italy top the group with seven points from three games, three clear of Ireland who have played one match less.
Georgia 0-0 Cyprus
Georgia, back on home soil for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities with neighbouring Russia in August, were held to a 1-1 draw by Cyprus.
After a dull first half the match came to life when Efstathios Aloneftis missed a penalty for Cyprus in the 52nd minute.
The visitors kept up the pressure and eventually took the lead 14 minutes later when a pass from Aloneftis was headed in by Michael Konstantinou.
Georgia, bottom of Group Eight, equalised with 17 minutes to go when Levan Kobiashvili netted following a scramble in the penalty box.
The Georgians have one point from three games, one place below Cyprus who have one point from two matches.
