[Olympics] Criscito shines in friendly

Italy crushed Beijing Hong Deng 4-0 with a Domenico Criscito brace in their final friendly test before the Olympics kick off.

The Azzurri had an unlikely goal hero, as central defender Criscito got two in Qinhuangdao.

The others to hit the back of the net were Sebastian Giovinco of Juventus and Cagliari hitman Robert Acquafresca.


It would have been 5-0, but late on Giuseppe Rossi failed to convert a penalty kick.

Coach Pierluigi Casiraghi fielded a 4-3-2-1 system with Rossi and Giovinco supporting centre-forward Tommaso Rocchi.

Lazio full-back Lorenzo De Silvestri did not take part, as he is still struggling with a right thigh problem.

They make their Group D Olympic debut against Honduras on Thursday.

Italy: Viviano, Motta, Criscito, Bocchetti, De Ceglie, Montolivo, Marchisio, Nocerino, Rossi, Giovinco, Rocchi.

Source: C4 Football Italia