Midfielder Casadei, who spent the season on loan at Reading, netted his third and fourth goals of the tournament in Italy’s 3-0 win over Dominican Republic.

His first was close-range stooping header when a corner was flicked on. That was in the first half with his second and Italy’s third coming late in the game. Collecting a poor clearance from the goalkeeper outside the penalty area, Casadei advanced and found the bottom corner with his left foot. He now leads the race for the golden boot by one goal.

They were important strikes in a crucial victory for the Italians who began the day third in their group but move up a place on goal difference and into the knockout stages.

Santos and Brazil also make the Round of 16 having ended Nigeria’s 100 per cent record with a 2-0 win. They top the group with the first three sides all finishing on six points. Nigeria, who struck the crossbar twice in the game, still progress as one of the best third-place teams.

Nineteen-year-old Santos is playing his club football on loan back in his home country at Vasco da Gama.