UPDATE 1-Soccer-Superb Brazil send Italy out of Cup

* Brazil storm into semi-finals and meeting with hosts

* Italy suffer worst first half since 1957 (adding details, byline)

By Mike Collett

PRETORIA, June 21 (Reuters) - Brazil knocked world champions Italy out of the Confederations Cup with three quick goals just before halftime to earn a 3-0 victory on Sunday.

Strikes from Luis Fabiano after 37 and 43 minutes and an own goal from Andrea Dossena just before the interval left the holders top of Group B and set up a semi-final against hosts South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday.

But the fate of Italy hung in the balance until the dying moments as it depended on the result of the match between Egypt and the United States in Rustenburg.

The U.S., who started the night bottom of the group with no points after two straight defeats, qualified ahead of Italy and Egypt on goal difference following a shock 3-0 win.

The defeat completed a miserable tournament for Marcello Lippi's men who were also beaten by Egypt and finished in third place.

It was also a bittersweet night for captain Fabio Cannavaro who equalled Paolo Maldini's record of 126 appearances for his country but was helpless to stop Italy conceeding three goals in the first half of an international for the first time since 1957 when they lost 6-1 to Yugoslavia.