Italy successfully held off the challenge posed by Portugal to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games by defeating Pierluigi Casiraghi's side 4-3 on penalties.

Both Italy and Portugal failed to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament, finishing third in their respective groups. With England having already qualified for the Olympic Games, both the teams were looking to qualify for the tournament by winning the play-offs.

The starting few minutes saw a cautious game from both the sides, who were feeling each other out before trying to work out an opening. Though both the teams created some chances, the only clear chance fell to Italians in the 41st minute.

Giuseppe Rossi took control of the ball on the left side of the midfield and went through three Portuguese defenders before attempting a chip over Paulo Ribeiro, who managed to block the shot.

Portugal started to get into the rhythm, dominating the possession for most of the second period of the first half, but very unable to break down Italy's defense. Second half saw Italy once again go close to scoring, when a slick passing move between Rossi, Aquilani and Rosina found Montolivo in clear and the Fiorentina midfielder fired in a low angled shot which was saved brilliantly by Ribeiro with his feet.

Italy were reduced to 10 men 16 minutes before full time when Rossi was shown his second yellow card of the match. The Italians held on to prevent Portugal from scoring late in the game to take the tie into extra time.

Portugal created its best chance of the game in the second half of extra time when substitute Yannick Djaló failed to covert with the goal at his mercy. With the match going into penalty kicks, Italian keeper Emiliano Viviano saved Manuel Fernandes' attempt while Antunes hit his chance wide of the post to give Italy the remaining qualifying place for the Olympic Games in Beijing.