A World Cup qualifier between Italy and Albania was suspended for several minutes in the second half on Friday after flares were thrown onto the pitch at the Renato Barbera stadium in Palermo.

Italy were leading the match 1-0 after a first half-penalty from Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi who had hit the opener minutes after Albanian fans had thrown flares onto the playing area.

Match officials announced the match could be suspended, and confirmed the threat in the 57th minute after smoke bombs and more flares were thrown by sections of the Albanian support again.

A five-minute suspension was initially announced. The match resumed at 21:10 GMT.