Italy wouldn't celebrate its bronze-medal victory over Iraq in the Olympic men's soccer tournament in a show of condolences for an Italian reporter killed in Iraq, the Italian coach said on Friday (Aug 27).

"We are not going to celebrate our victory in order to show our sympathy for the victim's family," said Claudio Gentile.

The Italian players went onto the pitch wearing black armbands to remember Enzo Baldoni, who was killed by his kidnappers in Iraq.     

"My players were not in the best psychological condition based on what happened in Iraq last night," the coach said.

"The game was not of very good quality and we are not going to celebrate.

"Our team shares the sadness the Italian people feel. We sent our condolences to the Italian people and we wish to congratulate them on winning the bronze medal," said Iraq coach Hamad Adnan Majeed.

Italy beat Iraq 1-0 to win its first Olympic soccer medal in 68years. For Iraq, being in the final four was already a feat.

Eight minutes into the game, Alberto Gilardino headed home a pinpoint cross by Anderea Pirlo and the lead was kept to the end.     

After an early opener by the Italian side, the Iraqi eleven had quite a few scoring chances, but they were denied by a solid defense and the brilliant performance of the Italian goalie Ivan Pelizzoli.

Pelizzoli became a hero in the 61st minute when he dived to save two shots launched by Iraq's Mahmoud Younis and Mohammed Mulla Hawar in merely two seconds.

Editor: Donald