The Azzuri join the party

After making Nigeria sweat to split points, Honduras took on the might of the Azzurris at Adelaide. The Italians are taking the Olympics with utmost seriousness, so much so they delayed the Serie A. And it's going according to plan so far. In the earlier game, Italy huffed and puffed against the Aussies but managed to put it across the home side, 1-0.

You could tell this game was going to be an inspired one before the whistle itself. When the national anthems were played, the Azzurris stood hand-in-hand while the Hondurans had hands on pumped chests. So much for football mania!

Honduras had the first look at the goal. David Suazo who scored 2 goals against Nigeria and who attracts defenders wherever he goes, took the first crack at the goal.

But it was the Azzuris who took charge of the proceedings in the 12th minute. Cirillo on the left centred the ball. Comandini hovered over two Honduran defenders, read the height to a nicety and connected with his head for Italy to go one up.

The Azzuris were now attacking in waves. Two such raids materialised in the Honduran citadel falling miserably.

In the 18th min, Gattuso of Italy broke free on the right and centred the ball to the top of the box where Ambrosini headed powerfully to make it 2-0.

Then in the 21st min, the scorekeeper was kept busy again. Gattuso capitalised on a defensive lapse and passed to Comandini. The man of the moment wasn't in position, but he somehow swivelled and smacked the ball towards the right corner of the goal leaving the goalie standing. Italy 3 - Honduras 0.

Stung by these reverses and with pride to play for, Honduras reduced the margin in the 42nd min. Leon centred a corner within uneasy proximity of the goal. Zanchi of Italy and Rosales of Honduras leapt to meet the ball but Rosales' head bobbed higher to score.

At lemon time, the Italians seemed to use their head better and led 3-1.

But it was Honduras all the way in the 2nd half. First it was Turcios who centred the ball to Guerrero who let go a bullet but the Italian keeper, Abbiati was up to the occasion with a great save.

Soon after, David Suazo sneaked the ball to Maynor Suazo who almost got the ball into the net. Italian goalkeeper, Abbiati tried to clear it to a defender, didn't connect and the ball trickled to David Suazo who shot as he slid but there wasn't enough velocity and the ball ballooned past the goal.

David Suazo kept tormenting the harried Italians. If he wasn't hoodwinking the Italian defenders on his own he would make life miserable in tandem with Maynor. The Suazos wove rings and patterns around the Azzurri defence but to no avail. It was a brilliant exhibition of one touch play but the goals were not forthcoming.

The frustrated Italians then resorted to time wasting tactics by falling all over the field. Ultimately, their dour defence held on to pull off a 3-1 win.

The resilient Italians earned full points for their second win while the surprise packet of the tournament, Honduras won sympathy and no points in their second tie.

The Brazilians better watch out. The Azzurris are clicking as a formation!

Mail your comments