Mohamed Homos scored the only goal of the game five minutes before the interval to condemn Marcello Lippi's side to their first-ever defeat to an African team.Italy only had themselves to blame for falling behind as they left Homos unmarked to score with a powerful header from Mohamed Aboutrika's perfect inswinging corner.
The shock result means that the second qualification place in Group B remains in the balance going into the final round of matches.
Many of Egypt's players and coach Shehata were in tears at the final whistle as they were overcome by the magnitude of their achievement.
Goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari produced an inspired performance and made a string of superb saves in the second half to preserve his side's lead.
Vincenzo Iaquinta hit the crossbar in the closing stages but the African champions were not to be denied what will be remembered as a momentous victory.
Brazil are certain to progress having beaten USA earlier in the day and they will have a major say on who joins them as they meet the Azzurri on Sunday. The USA, who still have an outside chance of progressing despite losing both of their opening games, face Egypt.
Leaders Brazil won the other group game 3-0 against the United States, Fiorentina's Felipe Melo, Robinho and Inter's Douglas Maicon scoring against an American side who lost Sacha Kljestan to a second-half red card.
Egypt: El-Hadary, Fathy (Hassan 79), A Said, Gomaa, Moawad (Farag 68), Shawky, Homos, Aboutrika, Rabo, Zidan (Eid 57).
Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Gattuso (Montolivo 58), De Rossi, Pirlo, Rossi (Toni 58), Iaquinta, Quagliarella (Pepe 64).
[FIFA Confederations Cup 2009]
Source: Sky Sports
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