Italy 3-0 South Korea
Pierluigi Casiraghi's under-23 side continued their outstanding Olympic form with a 3-0 demolition of South Korea today. Therer was to be no repeat of the 2002 World Cup upset for the Asian side...
FIRST HALF
The game began at a break-neck pace with an early chance apiece for either side. Early Player of the Tournament contender Sebastian Giovinco saw a vicious free-kick saved by Jung-Sung Ryong before Park Chu-Young’s 20-yard effort almost caused embarrassment for Emilian Viviano in the Italy goal.
However, Italy were ahead with just 15 minutes played. Tommaso Rocchi, Italy’s only overage player had his goal-bound effort charged down, but the ball fell to Giuseppe Rossi, who strongly held off Korean advances to fire his side into the lead.
The Italians added to their tally before half-time, but could have doubled their lead earlier through Salvatore Bocchetti. The new Genoa signing blazed over when presented with a golden opportunity.
It was Rocchi who stretched the Italian advantage; after a good interchange between Giovinco and Marco Motta, the full-back cut the ball to Rocchi, who finished with aplomb.
Korea almost edged their way back into the game as the first half approached injury time; Park headed onto the crossbar after being prompted by Shin-Young Rok. The Azzurrini went close again themselves however, when Rossi shot off-target from a one-on-one opportunity.
SECOND HALF
The Italians continued to dominate proceedings as the sides switched around, Jung saved again from a Giovinco free-kick while Rossi fired narrowly over.
Rossi and Rocchi were a constant thorn in the side for the Korean defence, and with Juve’s Giovinco in the mix, the Italian front-line was verging on unplayable.
Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi shuffled his deck as he replaced his impressive and devastating front trio. His side still managed to extend their lead.
Robert Acquafresca raced clear on the right wing and crossed into the box. The on-rushing Riccardo Montolivo struck a post with one strike but was granted another bite of the cherry, which he dispatched with relish.
Casiraghi’s side will be hoping to continue their impressive form against Cameroon in three days time, but have already ensured qualification from Group D.
Line ups:
Italy: Viviano - Motta, Bocchetti, Criscito, Coda - Montolivo, Cigarini, Nocerino - Rocchi, Giovinco, Rossi.
South Korea: S Jung - K Shin, M Kang, D Kim, K Shin - S Ki, J Kim, J Oh, Y Shin - K Lee, J Park
Goals:
Italy: Rossi, 15’, Rocchi 31’, Montolivo 91’
South Korea: -
Peter Staunton
Cards:
Italy: -
South Korea: J Kim, S Ki, J Oh
The game began at a break-neck pace with an early chance apiece for either side. Early Player of the Tournament contender Sebastian Giovinco saw a vicious free-kick saved by Jung-Sung Ryong before Park Chu-Young’s 20-yard effort almost caused embarrassment for Emilian Viviano in the Italy goal.
However, Italy were ahead with just 15 minutes played. Tommaso Rocchi, Italy’s only overage player had his goal-bound effort charged down, but the ball fell to Giuseppe Rossi, who strongly held off Korean advances to fire his side into the lead.
The Italians added to their tally before half-time, but could have doubled their lead earlier through Salvatore Bocchetti. The new Genoa signing blazed over when presented with a golden opportunity.
It was Rocchi who stretched the Italian advantage; after a good interchange between Giovinco and Marco Motta, the full-back cut the ball to Rocchi, who finished with aplomb.
Korea almost edged their way back into the game as the first half approached injury time; Park headed onto the crossbar after being prompted by Shin-Young Rok. The Azzurrini went close again themselves however, when Rossi shot off-target from a one-on-one opportunity.
SECOND HALF
The Italians continued to dominate proceedings as the sides switched around, Jung saved again from a Giovinco free-kick while Rossi fired narrowly over.
Rossi and Rocchi were a constant thorn in the side for the Korean defence, and with Juve’s Giovinco in the mix, the Italian front-line was verging on unplayable.
Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi shuffled his deck as he replaced his impressive and devastating front trio. His side still managed to extend their lead.
Robert Acquafresca raced clear on the right wing and crossed into the box. The on-rushing Riccardo Montolivo struck a post with one strike but was granted another bite of the cherry, which he dispatched with relish.
Casiraghi’s side will be hoping to continue their impressive form against Cameroon in three days time, but have already ensured qualification from Group D.
Line ups:
Italy: Viviano - Motta, Bocchetti, Criscito, Coda - Montolivo, Cigarini, Nocerino - Rocchi, Giovinco, Rossi.
South Korea: S Jung - K Shin, M Kang, D Kim, K Shin - S Ki, J Kim, J Oh, Y Shin - K Lee, J Park
Goals:
Italy: Rossi, 15’, Rocchi 31’, Montolivo 91’
South Korea: -
Peter Staunton
Cards:
Italy: -
South Korea: J Kim, S Ki, J Oh
Giuseppe Rossi scored his second goal of the tournament so ensure Italy goes into the break with a 3-0 win.
15′ Giuseppe Rossi
32′ Rocchi
90′ Montolivo
15′ Giuseppe Rossi
32′ Rocchi
