Italy show medal credentials with 3-0 win over Honduras

Emil Martinez (L) of Honduras and Lorenzo De Silvestri of Italy compete for the ball (Photo credit: Noriko Hayakusa/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, August 7)-- Italy served notice that it is a serious medal contender at the Olympic Men's Football tournament with a ruthless 3-0 win over Honduras at the QHD Stadium on Thursday.

Inspired by 21-year-old Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco who opened the scoring with a superb strike, the Azzurrini finished off their Group D rivals with penalties either side of half-time.

Italy dominated the first half but had to wait until the 41st minute for a reward, when Giovinco fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the goal.

As early as the second minute, Robert Acquafresca wasted a glorious chance for Italy, with Honduras goalkeeper Kevin Hernandez saving well when the Italian striker was in the clear.

Italy made it 2-0 in the final minute of the first half, when Honduras defender Quiarol Arzu was penalized for a handball and Giuseppe Rossi slammed the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.

Five minutes after half-time, Italy was awarded a penalty when Hernandez brought down Acquafresca, who dusted himself down and converted the spot-kick himself.

The only sour note for Italy was losing centre back Salvatore Bocchetti, who suffered a calf injury in the 71st minute.

Honduras' misery was compounded in the dying stages, when Carlos Pavon failed to convert a penalty into a goal, shooting high over the crossbar.