And in the first half at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit there seemed little doubt that they would win the contest after producing a performance of attacking intent against an off-colour Australia.

BBC: Australia 2-1 Serbia

Before this vibrant encounter at the Mbombela Stadium, Italy coach Marcello Lippi had identified New Zealand's aerial threat as the main danger to his team - and that warning proved prophetic within just seven minutes.

BBC: Italy 1-1 New Zealand