Italy rallied from two goals down to beat Japan 4-3 and join tournament host Brazil in advancing to the semifinals of soccer’s Confederations Cup.
Sebastian Giovinco’s 86th-minute goal broke a 3-3 tie in Recife minutes after Japan twice struck the frame of the goal. The Asian champion had led 2-0 on first-half goals from Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa before Daniele De Rossi’s header and an own goal by Atsuto Uchida either side of the break made it 2-2. Mario Balotelli’s 52nd-minute penalty kick then put Italy ahead before Shinji Okazaki tied it with 20 minutes left.
Italy joined Brazil, which earlier beat Mexico 2-0, with six points from two matches in Group A at the eight-nation tournament, a warm-up event for next year’s World Cup. The top two in each four-team pool advance to the semifinals.
Neymarearlier scored the first goal and set up the second in Brazil’s victory in Fortaleza.
In the second round of games in Group B tomorrow, world and European champion Spain plays tournament newcomer Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro and Nigeria takes on Uruguay in Salvador.