CHRIS Wood came on as an 81st-minute substitute for his second cap as New Zealand suffered defeat in a seven-goal thriller with World Champions Italy in Pretoria last night.

It was the All Whites' final warm-up match before they kick-off their Confederations Cup campaign against European Champions Spain in Sunday's Group A clash in Rustenburg (ko 7.30pm BST).

The Kiwis took the lead three times but were pegged back on each occasion before the Italians sealed victory 18 minutes from time.

Do-heon Kim was an unused substitute as World Cup-bound Korea Republic drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in their latest qualifier in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia.

Scott Carson sat out England's 6-0 win over Androrra in their Wembley World Cup qualifier due to a slight side strain injury.