ZURICH, Switzerland — Italy once again called on its star goalkeeper, and Gianluigi Buffon came through.

Buffon saved a late penalty kick by Adrian Mutu, giving Italy a 1-1 draw with Romania today at the European Championship.

Daniel Niculae was dragged down in the area by Christian Panucci in the 80th minute. Buffon, a key performer for Italy's World Cup champions two years ago, dived left and reached back with his hand to stop Mutu's shot, and the ball then deflected away off the goalkeeper's leg.

That spectacular save, and several other stops by Buffon, held off the Romanians, who often carried play in the Group C game. Romania now has two points and Italy one, with one game remaining.

Mutu gave Romania the lead in the 55th minute off a defensive mistake by Gianluca Zambrotta. A long free kick by Gabriel Tamas was headed back toward the Italy goal by the defender, but Mutu was there to swipe it and send home a right-footed shot past the charging Buffon.

It took the Italians only one minute to reply. Panucci equalized from close range off a corner kick that was headed toward him by Giorgio Chiellini.

Romania midfielder Mirel Radoi was carried off on a stretcher after a mid-air collision in the 20th minute. Radoi collided with teammate Razvan Rat while both were going for a header. Medical staff put a bandage over Radoi's right eye, and he could be seen shielding his nose with his hand as he was taken off the field. Rat's face was a pool of blood, but he was treated and remained on the field.

Italy lost a goal in the first half when Luca Toni was judged offside while putting in a header.