Uruguay v Italy, 30 June 2013

Kick-off: 1.00pm local (5.00pm BST) Match Report Uruguay were the side to get off to the better start. Forlan was the first to test Buffon with a low free kick. Italy managed to find a way back into the game and started seeing more possession. The Azzuri opened the scoring with a fortunate goal. Diamanti's high curling free kick came off the woodwork, struck the back of Muslera and fell into the path of Astori who tapped into an open net. Cavani thought he had equalised before the break only for his header to be ruled out for offside. After the break it was Uruguay who came out the strongest and were soon level through Cavani. Gargano made a surging run through the middle of the pitch before feeding the Napoli striker who finished well. Uruguay could have taken the lead but were denied as Buffon made as terrific double save from Forlan. Against the run of play Italy edged ahead once more. Diamanti curled an excellent free kick into the corner from 25 yards. Cavani then equalised with his second. This was an even better free kick blasted in from 30 yards. After 90 minutes the sides were level at 2 - 2. Into extra time and Uruguay had a couple of shouts for penalties. Both appeals were turned down by the officials. Montolivo was sent off for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes to go. The midfielder trip Suarez as he was running at the Italian back four. The match went to penalties. With three misses Uruguay lost the shootout 3 - 2. Buffon's saves made the difference allowing Italy grabbed third place in the tournament. Preview The third place play-off will be contested by Uruguay and Italy. Both sides might consider themselves unlucky to have lost out in the semi finals. A win would provide a welcome confidence boost. Both managers will see this as an extra useful opportunity to gel their squad in preparation for their World Cup campaigns. Abel Hernandez will hope to get another chance to shine after he hit four against Tahiti. Italy are short of strikers and may be without Gilardino who picked up a knock against Spain. Despite a poor second half of the season El Shaarawy may finally be given a start.