Ten-Man Uruguay Stun Italy in Rome

Sebastian Fernandez scored the only goal of the game as Uruguay stunned Italy with a smash-and-grab 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico here on Tuesday.

In a game that had seven bookings and a red card for the visitors, Italy dominated for long spells but lacked the cutting edge their opponents found inside three minutes.

It was Italy coach Cesare Prandelli's third defeat in a friendly since taking over the role 18 months ago, although he has remained unbeaten in competitive fixtures and his team qualified easily for the European Championships next year.

In the second half, Portuguese referee Duarte Gomes unnecessarily sent-off Alvaro Pereira for a second booking, given for a handball the full-back could do nothing about.

"It was a great game against a great team. From a performance point of view it was a good game," said Prandelli.

"We fought to the end and we created some good chances.

"We stopped them counter-attacking and our forwards put them under pressure.

"I think we played well in the first half, but obviously we were against a team that came fourth in the World Cup, won the Copa America and which has great self-confidence so it's not easy.

"We need to work hard to become a great team."

For Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez this victory was the cherry on the cake in a great year for the country.

"It was a very significant game for us because it caps off a great sporting year for us," he said.

"This is part of the story of the rivalry between these two teams and winning in Italy is very important for us.

"We have to continue but we're satisfied also because when we asked young players to play they showed they were up to it.

"That gives us conviction, we know we put our hand in bag and be sure we'll find something."