Johannesburg, South Africa — South African goalkeeper Hans Vonk's penalty save was not enough to stop the Azzurri of Italy from beating Bafana Bafana 1-0 in a tightly contested match Wednesday in Perugia, Italy.

Broadcast live on television, the match started at a cracking pace with the Italians testing Vonk with fierce shots.

In the 23rd minute the Italians mounted a raid in the Bafana penalty area and defender Frank Schoeman was adjudged to have fouled Vinvcenzo Montello by referee Massimo Busacca who awarded the Azzurri a penalty.

Montello took the spot kick, which was spectacularly saved by Vonk who dived full length to parry the ball for a corner kick.

Bafana snuffed out many of the daring raids down the flanks as the Italians continued to put pressure on the visitors.

In the second half, the Italians were even more determined to please the 15,000 fans that had come to watch the international friendly.

The combination of strikers Benni McCarthy and Shaun Bartlett did not penetrate the Azzurri defence marshalled by Paola Maldini. Coach Carlos Queiroz substituted the pair for Phil Masinga and Bradley August, espectively.

A sudden turn of pace in the middle of the park by the Italians found Montello in a good position with only Vonk to beat. Montello lobbed the ball over Vonk to score the only goal of the match.

It was the first time the two countries had met.