Narrow win sees Italy through

This was a match between two technically gifted, well-matched sides which ultimately saw Italy reach the Round of 16 with a narrow win. Argentina began brightly and got their rewards with a goal in the third minute when Maximiliano Rescia saw his intial shot bounce back to him before sending a shot into the top corner. The goal spurred Italy into action and Argentina were grateful to Santiago Elias on several occasions before parity was restored when Gabriel Lima turned home a corner from close range. Italy made it 2-1 in the 19th minute, largely thanks to some great work by Alex Merlin. He ran past a defender and his angled shot took a deflection which saw Rodolfo Fortino presented with the easiest of chances. The second half was equally as even-contested. Argentina were pushing forward for the equaliser, while Italy looked to break on the counter attack. It was the European’s approach which brought the first goal of the half with just two minutes remaining. Ronaldo Fortino carried the ball down the left flank, played it to Saad Assis who nutmegged the keeper which ended the game as a contest. Argentina scored in the last second through Leandro Cuzzolino’s piledriver, but it was too little, too late. From FIFA