Our team showed physically, technically and in all aspects that it was superior to a great team, a team which is the current world champion,” Brazil coach Dunga said.
Brazil improved to 4-0-1 against Italy since the Italians won 3-2 in the second round of the 1982 World Cup. The streak includes a penalty-kicks win in the 1994 World Cup final at the Rose Bowl, exhibition victories in 1989 and last February, and a 3-3 exhibition tie in 1997.
“The difference between us and them is that we improved as the tournament has gone along,” said Brazil’s Kaka, a former AC Milan star who was FIFA’s 2007 player of the year. “Italy did the opposite.”
Luis Fabiano put Brazil ahead after intercepting a weak shot by right back Maicon inside the penalty area. The forward turned and sent a low shot into the far corner as Buffon charged from the goal.
Luis Fabiano added his second after a quick exchange of passes with Robinho and Kaka. Kaka’s final pass eventually found Luis Fabiano near the penalty spot, and he just touched the ball into the back of the net.
Dossena had the own goal while trying to intercept a pass from Robinho to Ramires, who was free from any markers and in position to score inside the area.
“Unfortunately we’re out and we’re very upset,” Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. “But people on the outside should stay calm about pushing for younger players, because you need a certain type of experience in these types of games. There are younger players, but let them mature gradually. These are the best players in Italy. Maybe they’re a little out of form, but these are the best players, and I’m not changing them.”
Italy’s first shot on goal came only in the 28th, when Mauro Camoranesi hit a powerful right-footer from outside the penalty area, just missing over the crossbar.
“It’s not the end of the world,” said Giancarlo Abete, the president of the governing body of Italian soccer. “It’s better that this happened now rather than at the World Cup.”