Mali`s dreams of winning the Olympic tournament at their first time of asking were shattered by Italy in Athens on Saturday.
Italy`s victory at the Karaiskaki Stadium ended Africa`s bid to win the gold medal for the third straight Olympics.
Nigeria won the title at Atlanta 1996 and Cameroon triumphed four years ago in Sydney.
Italy left it until the 116th minute of a spiteful encounter before securing their place in the last four with a hard-fought victory over the west Africans.
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The Italians, coached by the legendary former international hardman Claudio Gentile, were given a rough ride by the Malians, who missed an early penalty.
A match littered with an astonishing 71 fouls and nine yellow cards went into extra-time after the two teams finished 90 minutes locked at 0-0.
With penalties looming, Italy conjured up the winner. AC Milan`s Andrea Pirlo swept in a cross from the right and Parma`s Cesare Bovo glanced a header into the net to leave the Malians distraught.
