Boro took the lead with goal from Gareth Southgate after 26 minutes and Noel Whelan made it 2-0 just before the break,, after a great move involving trialist Jesper Blomqvist.
A number of changes at half-time and throughout the second half gave the Italians a chance to get back into the game and they tied the game up at 2-2 with 15 minutes to go.