FIFA Confederations Cup: Italy fight back to defeat Japan 4-3

Italy achieved a brilliant fightback to eliminate Japan from the Confederations Cup and secure their place in the semi-finals. Japan managed to go 2-0 up thanks to Keisuke's Honda's penalty and Shinji Kagawa's strike but Italy replied when Daniele De Rossi headed in before Atsuto Uchida's own goal and Mario Balotelli's penalty made it 3-2. Japan made it all square again through Shinji Okazaki before Sebastian Giovinco scored to clinch it for Italy. It's important to say that Japan came very close twice after tying the score at 3-3 but Okazaki and Kagawa hit post and bar respectively with eight minutes left. Japan looked a lot better compared to their opening match against Brazil and they deservedly took the lead when goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon brought down Okazaki inside the penalty area after an uninspired backpass from Mattia De Sciglio. Honda converted from the spot and Italy coach Cesare Prandelli sent in Sebastian Giovinco to add a bit more flair to their attack. But it was Japan who struck again as Kagawa fired one in. Italy seemed down and out but that wasn't the case. Roma veteran Daniele De Rossi headed in Andrea Pirlo's corner kick on 41 minutes and then Emanuele Giaccherini hit the post just before half time. Italy made it all square five minutes after the interval, with a bit of luck as Uchida put it past his own goalkeeper. Referee Diego Abal then awarded Italy a penalty kick for a handball by Makoto Hasebe and Balotelli put his side ahead from the spot. It was Japan's turn to reply and they surely did as Okazaki headed home on Yasuhito Endo's free kick cross. The Asian side didn't have any luck though as they hit the woodwork twice in the final moments, either side of Giovinco's winning goal. Italy advance to the semi finals alongside Brazil but the winner of the group will be decided in the direct match, on June 22nd. Here are the odds for the Brazil vs Italy clash at Bet365: Brazil win - 4/6 Draw - 5/2 Italy win - 9/2