The scoreline does not tell the full story, with Italy utterly dominant and rarely troubled by the South African attack, who battled to create clear-cut openings.

Italy scored goals through Riccardo Orsolini, a penalty, and Andrea Favilli, and bounced back from their opening 1-0 loss to fancied Uruguay.

South Africa have now lost two matches on the trot after a 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opener, and must hope for a big win against the Uruguayans in their final game to have a chance of finishing among the best third-placed sides.

Italy dominated the early stages and forced two fine saves from South Africa goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto. He first did well to get to a low shot from Giuseppe Panico, before beating away a goal-bound effort from Favilli, who hit his shot on the run.

The South African defence were having to repel wave after wave of Italian attack, and it was perhaps no surprise when the European side broke the deadlock midway through the first half.

A corner was headed goalwards by defender Filippo Romagna, but Grant Margeman cleared off the line for the South Africans. However, the ball made its way out to Orsolini on the right wing and he was felled in the box with a wild swipe by Wiseman Meyiwa.

Orsolini picked himself off the turf and coolly slotted the penalty into the corner of the goal, giving Mpoto no chance.

Favilli made it 2-0 when he glanced a long throw into the South African net early in the second half, easily rising above the defence of their opponents. South Africa are on average the shortest team at the World Cup and it showed as the Italian forward rose magestically to meet the ball.

South Africa came close with a rare chance when Luther Singh's wicked free-kick was met with a slight touch by captain Tercious Malepe, but Italian goalkeeper Andrea Zaccagno just got a hand to the ball to steer it agonisingly wide of the post.

On Saturday, South Africa take on Uruguay in Incheon, while Italy take on Japan in Cheonan.