Italy have gone into half-time 0-0 against Australia in their first knockout match in the World Cup Finals in Kaiserslautern on Monday.

Both teams started strongly, with Australia managing to maintain some good possession and a with good tempo to the match.

Luca Toni had the first decent chance of the match and should have scored from Alessandro del Piero's fine cross from the left but the ball went-wide.

Australia were also pressing themselves with a few half-chances, but as the half progressed Italy began to take command, forcing Mark Schwarzer into a couple of fine saves.

Alberto Gilardino had a good chance after a cross from Gatusso but the AC Milan Striker’s shot was palmed over by Schwarzer, after having also been denied by a great tackle from Scott Chipperfield.

Chipperfield had the best chance of the half for Australia, pouncing on a loose ball in the Italian box, but shooting straight at Azzurri keeper Gianluigi Buffon from close range.

But Italy took control of the half and were unlucky not to have taken the lead in the first-half after a host of chances from Italy, especially Luca Toni, but equally, with a string of fine saves from Schwarzer.

The half ended 0-0, but with the Azzurri in control of the match after an early flutter.

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