Star Rossi leads high-scoring Italy

QINGHUANGDAO: Italy star striker Giuseppe Rossi has become a fan favorite as one of the top scorers of the Olympic tournament, while his team is proving to be one of the Games' top teams after a pair of ruthless 3-0 victories in the first two group matches here.

The stylish Italians, led by head coach Pierluigi Casiraghi and assistant coach Gianfranco Zola, both former Italy strikers, booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Beijing Olympic soccer tournament on Sunday, dispatching South Korea 3-0.

As all eyes fixate on favorites Brazil and Argentina with their superstars like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, Italy has shown the world it cannot be ignored, scoring as many goals, 6, as Brazil in two wins.