Gimenez scores bizarre own goal as Italy put three past Uruguay

Jose Gimenez scored a comical own goal as Italy continued their impressive run of form with a 3-0 victory over Uruguay.

In the first meeting between the two sides since the infamous 2014 World Cup game when Luis Suarez bit Giorgio Chellieni, the Azzurri took the lead in bizarre fashion when Gimenez’s attempted clearance ended up in the top corner after Andrea Belotti had chested the ball down.

Italy boss Gian Piero Ventura, who included Juventus pair Christian Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli in his line-up four days after their Champions League final defeat, was then dealt a blow with Claudio Marchisio limping off.

It did not impact the pattern of the game though with Uruguay creating few chances in the absence of Edinson Cavanni and Suarez due to injury. Oscar Tabarez’s side did have a goal disallowed in the second period through Martin Caceres’ header due to a push in the build up during a rare attack.

And the Azzurri sealed their sixth win in a row late on through substitute Eder’s header and Daniele De Rossi’s penalty to give them the ideal preparation going into Sunday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Liechtenstein.

What has happened to Uruguay? They were without a few key players but looked toothless in attack and devoid of ideas in midfield. Oscar Tabarez's side are on a horrendous run of five straight defeats.

Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy): The full-back has had a good season for Atlanta and showed his class going forward. He was tireless in overlapping the midfield and his final ball was more often not brilliant.

Italy: Donnarumma 5, Spinazzola 8, Bonucci 6, Barzagli 6, Darmian 6, Marchisio n/a, De Rossi 6, Candreva 5, Insigne 6, Belotti 5, Immobile 5. Subs: Montilivo 5, Eder 6, Bernadeschi 5, El Shaarawy 6, Chiellini n/a, Gabbiadini n/a

Uruguay: Muslera 6, M. Pereira 7, Coates 6, Giménez 5, Cáceres 6, Sánchez 5, Arévalo Ríos 5, Vecino 6, Urretaviscaya 4, Rolan 5. Subs: Stuani 5, Silva 5, Corujo n/a

7’ – OWN GOAL! Italy 1-0 Uruguay. A comical own goal from Gimenez! Insigne's long ball is controlled on the chest by Belotti and Gimenez runs in and steers the ball into the top corner with an attempted clearance.

10’ - GOOD EFFORT! Pereira collects the ball 25 yards out and unleashes a curling effort which is inches wide of goal, that was close.

41’ - CLOSE! Immobile controls the ball ten yards out but Vecino blocks his effort. From the corner, De Rossi's corner flies over the bar.

16’ – BELOTTI CHANCE! Following another corner, Belotti fires a low drive wide from the edge of the area, the Torino man had space to pick his spot.

18’ – MARCHISIO INJURY! The Juventus man is limping off with the physio, he does not look happy. His game is up.

59’ - DISALLOWED GOAL! From the free-kick, Cáceres scores with a brilliant header but Pelado is penalised for a push.

75’ - EDER MISS! The striker has a free header at the back post after a good ball in from Spinazzola but fails to find the target.

83’ - GOAL! Italy 2-0 Uruguay. Gabbiadini runs onto a long ball, rounds the keeper and fires in a cross towards goal which is headed in from close range by Eder.

90'+2 ' GOAL! Italy 3-0 Uruguay. De Rossi scores with a penalty after El Shaarawy is fouled.

Italy have kept four clean sheets in their last five games.

Uruguay have conceded 13 goals in their last five games.