World champions Italy edge New Zealand in friendly

June 11, 2009 - 0 comments

Pretoria, June 11: Italy struggled to a 4-3 win over New Zealand in a warm-up friendly for the Confederations Cup beginning here Sunday.

<strong>Pretoria, June 11:</strong> Italy struggled to a 4-3 win over New Zealand in a warm-up friendly for the Confederations Cup beginning here Sunday.

Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta scored a brace apiece for the World Champions to overcome a Chris Killen brace and an opening goal from his New Zealand striking mate Shane Smeltz.

The first game between the two national teams at the Atteridgeville stadium was plagued by constant rain that, however, did not dampen the grit of the players.

New Zealand play their first Group A game in the tournament Sunday against Spain, while Italy tackle the US in Group B Monday.

-IANS