Italy secured its spot in the Confederations Cup’s semis after its heart-pounding 4-3 triumph over Japan.
Sebastian Giovinco scored the deciding goal upon converting a cross from Claudio Marchiso on the 86th minute.
The match was never an easy feat for the Azurris. Chris Prandelli and his men struggled throughout the first-half that resulted to Japan’s first two (2) goals. Keisuke Honda after a great tackle with Gianlugi Buffon, converted a penalty kick that put Japan on the lead. On the 33rd minute, Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa nailed a left-footed shot that almost sealed Italy’s fate in the match.
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Japan’s Barcelona-like approach—putting pressure and keeping possession seemed to work, but only temporarily. Danielle De Rossi answered back with a header off a corner from Andrea Pirlo on the 41st minute and on the 50th, Atsuto Uchida scored his own goal.
The odds slowly shifted into the Italian side when Mario Balotelli had his chance to take part in Italy’s goal scoring rampage. More popularly known as Super Mario, Balotelli converted a penalty, thanks to Makoto Hasebe’s handball. Balotelli’s shot handed the lead to the Azurri.
Unfortunately, the reversal of roles continued. Yasuhito Endo’s cross to Shinji Okazaki reclaimed the lead for Japan on the 69th. It could have been an early celebration, not until Giovinco scored the great upset.
Despite of the win, Prandelli acknowledged the match’s difficulty. Buffon, on the other hand, shared a similar sentiment and gave credit to Japan’s impressive performance. Buffon described the match as something that “they shouldn’t have won.”
Meanwhile, Zaccheronni admitted Italy’s scoring capabilities. Japan’s head honcho shared how their opponents’ international experience brought the squad ahead of Blue Samurais.
Italy’s will soon face Brazil to compete for the top spot on the group.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
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