Italy survive New Zealand scare

Image: Gilardino: Brace

Italy came from behind to beat New Zealand 4-3 in their Confederations Cup warm-up clash in South Africa.

Gilardino & Iaquinta rescue Italy

Italy came from behind to beat New Zealand 4-3 in their Confederations Cup warm-up clash in South Africa. Shane Smeltz gave New Zealand a shock lead on 13 minutes when he headed home past Marco Amelia. World Cup holders Italy drew level on 33 minutes when Alberto Gilardino headed Quagliarella's cross into the net. Celtic striker Chris Killen restored New Zealand's lead three minutes before the break with a header in off the underside of the crossbar. Gilardino netted his second of the contest three minutes after the restart to draw Italy level. However, New Zealand went in front for a third time on 57 minutes when Killen converted from the penalty spot after Amelia had tripped him inside the box. Vincenzo Iaquinta came off the bench to level matters on 68 minutes when he latched onto Andrea Pirlo's pass to score. The big striker completed the comeback with his second goal five minutes later with a simple tap-in.
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