World Cup Second Phase July 5 1982

Italy v Brazil

Estadio Sarria, Barcelona
Italy 3 (Rossi 5, 25, 75)
Brazil 2 (Socrates 12, Falcao 68)

Italy: Zoff, Gentile, Cabrini, Collovati (Bergomi), Scirea, Tardelli (Marini), Antognoni, Oriali, Conti, Rossi, Graziani.

Brazil: Valdir Perez, Leandro, Oscar, Luizinho, Junior, Cerezo, Zico, Falcao, Serginho (Paulo Isidoro), Socrates, Eder.

Referee: Abraham Klein (Israel)
Yellow Cards: Gentile, Oriali

Brazil had gone into this fixture hailed as the best side in the world and blessed with a stunning array of midfield talent. But it was to be the other areas of the pitch that would be exposed as Italy produced the shock of the tournament. In particular, Paolo Rossi took advantage of defensive frailties to bag a hat-trick, to confirm his return to the international scene following a two-year ban.

Only five minutes had passed when Rossi struck for the first time, serving notice of his intent for the rest of the afternoon. However the midfield of Zico, Socrates, Falcao and Eder were not to be outshone. In the 12th minute, Socrates ghosted through the left-side of the Italian defence and cheekily nutmegged the veteran Zoff at his near post.

However, the Brazilian defence were to gift the advantage back to Italy as a ball across from the right by Leandro was intercepted by Rossi and planted firmly past Valdir Perez from the edge of the area. Brazil then found it difficult to dictate terms to an Italian side who were now aware they could beat a Brazil side who were drunk on attacking football.

But as Italy thought that they may have weathered the storm, Roberto Falcao produced a moment of sublime genius to make the score 2-2. Falcao collected the ball on the edge of the area, and a swivel of the hips sent a clutch of Italian defenders to the right as he advanced inside to their left. From 18 yards he drove the ball left-footed past Zoff left hand, and although the keeper remonstrated with his team-mates, there was little they could do to prevent a touch of sheer class.

But just eight minutes later, Brazil made a third error and ultimately fatal error. A corner from the Brazilian left was only half-cleared and when it was returned into the area, Rossi pounced from six yards out to turn the ball into the net.

Despite a few anxious moments, Zoff and co kept the Yellow shirts at bay and advanced to the semi-finals. Full of confidence from this result, Enzo Bearzot's side would go on to claim the ultimate prize for the third time.