[U20] Eight-man Azzurrini exit World Cup

Eight-man Italy were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Hungary in extra time.

Hungary, who had striker Krisztian Nemeth to thank for a late brace, ended with 10 players themselves and both coaches were sent off at the Mubarak Stadium in Suez in a match that included countless twists and turns.

Sampdoria-owned Vladimir Koman put the Hungarians ahead after two minutes from the penalty spot before Matteo Gentili, who conceded the penalty, was shown a second yellow card with 19 minutes remaining.

However, Italy found an equaliser their second half performance deserved after 82 minutes through Antonio Mazzotta, but moments later they were reduced to nine men when Francesco Bini was shown a second booking for a late tackle.

Hungary defender Adrian Szekeres was then controversially red carded for an alleged elbow in stoppage time as both Italy coach Francesco Rocca and his counterpart Sandor Egervari were dismissed for protesting against the decisions.

With eight minutes remaining in extra time, Nemeth edged Hungary in front for a second time with a neat finish, but the Azzurrini levelled again a minute later through a brilliant Giacomo Bonaventura strike.

There was still time for another dismissal as Michelangelo Albertazzi saw red, and Nemeth's second settled an enthralling tie with three minutes left.

Hungary will now play Ghana in the semi-finals on Tuesday while, Italy return back home and the focus will turn on their Under-17 side for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria later this month.

[FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2009] - [Italy squad]

Source: FIFA