Czech Republic have held 10-man Italy to a goalless draw in Prague.

© AP Photos

The result means that the Azzurri stretch their lead over Bulgaria at the top of Group B to three points, while Michael Bilek's men are five points off the pace.

Cesare Prandelli's men seemed content to play for the draw at the Letna Stadium as the hosts tried desperately for the three points that would have reinvigorated their challenge to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Two quick yellow cards in the space of four second-half minutes means that Mario Balotelli will miss Italy's next match.

Petr Jiracek nearly won it late on for the hosts after getting on the end of Jaroslav Plasil's free kick, but his header came back off the woodwork.