ROME, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- World champion Italy will play its first match of the year against Romania in a friendly on Feb. 7.

    The match, announced by the Italian Soccer Federation Wednesday, will be played in Siena, marking the first time Italy will play in the medieval Tuscan town.

    Ranked 19th by FIFA, Romania is third in Group G of European Championship qualifying with seven points, three fewer than the Netherlands and two fewer than Bulgaria.

    Italy also has seven points and is third in Group B behind Scotland and France, which have nine points each.

    Italy resumes qualifying March 28 against Scotland. Romania plays the Netherlands on March 24.