Italy coach Marcello Lippi claimed that he was always confiden this side would beat Australia even after Marco Materazzi was sent off early in the second half.

    "I was never worried because there was still extra time to play and penalties," said Lippi.

    He added: "This was a game that really had everything. In the first half, we didn't allow even one shot on goal - in the second, we struggled but we gave away little."

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    Totti's penalty was the very last kick of the match and the Roma playmaker believes Italy can go far in the tournament.

    "So far the critics have really laid into me, but I've always said I'd prove myself on the pitch," said Totti.

    "We suffered for long periods of the match, but in the end it was the whole team that won this match because Australia were a strong side.

    The win was reward for another superb defensive display from Marcelo Lippi's side, even if their attacking efforts left a lot to be desired.

    Toni in particular was the most guilty in a profligate Azzurri attack, though he was unfortunate not to have done better with a header that went just wide early on and a later turn and shot that Mark Schwarzer stopped with his feet.

    Other chances went begging for Italy, as Alberto Gilardino also failed to make the most of some decent openings without Schwarzer having to make another decent save.

    But, after Materazzi's harsh dismissal, it was Australia who dominated possession and the shame for them was that they could only produce neat and tidy football, which was ultimately toothless without the injured Harry Kewell.

    Scott Chipperfield, on his 50th international appearance, wasted their two best chances - twice firing straight at Buffon when well placed in the area.

    And he and Australia were left to rue their lack of ambition atthe death, as Totti stepped up to go some way to redeeming himself after a lacklustre tournament so far and stretch Italy's current run to 22 matches unbeaten.

    The Azzurri will now play the winner of the Ukraine-Switzerland match, being played in Cologne tonight. Enditem