Italy grabs third place at the Confederations Cup

Rio de Janeiro – Italy earned third place at the Confederations Cup today afternoon (June 30). It beat Uruguay on a shootout 3-2. The match took place at the Arena Fonte Nova stadium in Salvador, Bahia. The game ended level with a 2-2 score at regular time, and remained unchanged throughout the extra time.

Italy's center-back Astori scored first on 24 minutes of play. On 12 minutes of the second half, Uruguay leveled with forward Cavani. A free kick by Italy's Diamanti on 27 minutes restored Italy's lead, but Cavani equalized again five minutes later to close regular time in a draw.

Even as Italy's midfielder Montolivo got a red card early at the second extra half, Uruguay couldn't make the reversal and the game went on to a shoot-out. Buffon saved three Uruguay penalties and earned Italy third place at the competition.

Edition: Aécio Amado/ Nira Foster
Translation: Mayra Borges/ Allen Bennett