Leicester, who made significant changes to their side because of injury and enforced resting of England Elite Player Squad members, were already showing signs of panic under pressure, gifting Hougaard another long-range shot at goal from 55 yards which sailed between the posts.
If the ECB gives the impression that it will do the minimum to abate the bond-market panic, it would increase the pressure on Italy's politicians to support a reform-minded cabinet and to push through the right policies quickly.
The one thing certain about the next crisis is that it will feature the same crushing panic, pleas from banks and huge political pressure to stabilise the system, whatever the cost.
"I had a feeling that if we could manage to keep pressure on their defence we could get the equaliser and could turn it around - because they might start to panic, " said the Dutchman.