Aside from the collapse of 2006 finalists France; the defending champions’ failure to even get out of their group was undoubtedly the shock of the summer. The pessimistic Azzurri followers claimed that the writing was already on the wall without a ball being kicked and it seems they were right, as their bunch of pretenders crashed out at the first hurdle for the first time since 1974, without a win to their name.

The Italians could be forgiven for their sluggish showing in their two friendlys leading up to the tournament; going down 2-1 to in-form Mexico, before grinding out a 2-2 draw with the Swiss in Geneva, despite having to do without key players including Andrea Pirlo and Mauro Camoranesi. The pressure was soon heaped on the national team, especially veteran manager Marcello Lippi, with both the press and supporters calling for his resignation.

The Lippi ‘master plan’ seemed to be to stick to with the loyal (but ageing) heroes from 2006 and hope it would fall into place, but with a tournament consisting of largely young squads; it soon became apparent this had backfired. Their opening game on paper looked the most difficult of the three. The performance against Paraguay was cagier than the flare play the Italians are famous for. The driving rain in Cape Town proved an omen for the Azzurri, who fell behind courtesy of an Alcaraz header on the stroke of half time. Arguably the major blow was struck in the second half; Buffon, struggling with a persistent back injury, couldn’t continue and would play no further part in the tournament. Despite the set back, Italy forced a draw, as the ball fell for De Rossi to fire home from close range as a result of a goalkeeping howler.

South Africa, 14 June 2010.” width=”234″ height=”143″ />

A draw against the South Americans in their toughest fixture on paper seemed like, and indeed was, a decent start to the tournament, considering their next two so called ‘winnable’ games. However, their campaign started to unravel in the game against New Zealand when they only managed a draw despite being the better team and enjoying the lion’s share of the possession. Immediately on the back foot, they conceded again from a set piece. Italy quickly began to build up the pressure and in the 29th minute won a penalty, which Iaquinta converted to equalise. However, the floodgates failed to open and Italy’s lack of creative players became telling as the game wore on. A second successive 1-1 draw meant that their final game against Slovakia would turn out to be make or break.

The defensive shackles were removed sharpish, as Lippi and his men knew too well only a win would be good enough to reach the next round. But for the third successive game, they fell behind. A sloppy pass from De Rossi fell to the feet of Robert Vittek who neatly finished past the advancing goalkeeper. It became clear as the game progressed that it wasn’t to be for Italy; first a Quagliarella shot was blocked on the line by Martin Skrtel, then Vittek converted his second to all but condem Italy to defeat. There was to be a late rally from the champions though, as Di Natale reduced the deficit moments later. However in a bid to find an equaliser, Italy were caught short at the back, allowing Kopunek to nip in and lob Marchetti. They did though save the best till last, Quagliarella finding the net with an outrageous chip from the edge of the box.

The finger of blame has been pointed in a number of directions in what has become an inquest into a disastrous failure for Italian football. It is plain for all to see that the main problems lie with their own abysmal defending and lack of creativity. The stats tell all you need to know. Five goals conceded from only six shots on target. This doesn’t say much for the standard of their goalkeeping, but careless defensive lapses were just as much to blame and there was nobody at the other end capable of troubling defences. This world cup has proved to be the last for a number of Italian players, notably Cannavaro, Gattusso and Zambrotta; meaning that younger and more creative players could be handed a chance in future years, for now, the task of restoring faith and pride back into the once unstoppable footballing nation begins.

The Azzurri were looking to bounce back after two consecutive draws against lower opposition and knew that only a win would be good enough to book a place in the next round. In the days leading up to the game, Marcello Lippi had called for a step up in gear for a game that he knew could be his last if Italy failed to qualify.

The Italians had turned out in force in support of their team in Johannesburg, but it proved to be deja vu once again as they saw their side fall behind. Hamsik had gone close early on for Slovakia but only stubbed his shot. 25 minutes in and sloppy Italian passing in their own half invited Slovakia to take the lead. Daniele De Rossi’s pass was cut out by the excellent Kucka, who lost no time in moving the ball forward for Vittek, who beat Federico Marchetti with a first-time shot from the edge of the area. Little else in the form of chances fell to either side before the interval, barring a terrific volley from Kucka that flew narrowly off-target.

South Africa, 24 June 2010. Slovakia won 3-2.” width=”234″ height=”164″ />

Lippi was forced into taking drastic measures at half-time, replacing the lethargic Gattuso with the lively Quagliarella and Criscito making way for Maggio. And when he saw Antonio Di Natale fluff a shot from a presentable opportunity just before the hour, he played the only card he had left and sent on Andrea Pirlo, the midfielder who had been unable to play so far due to injury. The decision appeared to backfire though, as Miroslav Stoch had already sent a shot narrowly wide by the time Vittek added his second, a goal that established beyond doubt Italy’s title defence was over. A failure to clear the danger from a corner allowed Hamsik to return the ball for Vittek to sweep in a near post shot for his second.

Only when seemingly out of the running did Italy make a fight of the game. Di Natale reduced the deficit with a tap in after Quagliarella’s shot was palmed back out; a number of players were then involved in a scuffle in the net as Quagliarella attempted to get the ball back for the restart. The Azzurri’s luck seemed well and truly out, as first a vital Quagliarella goal was ruled out for offside, then a Skrtel block looked to be behind the line, but Slovakia were given the benefit of the doubt. The pendulum then swung back in favour of the underdogs and with Italy throwing everyone forward, Kamil Kopunek (on as a substitute) ran straight through to latch on to a throw and lift the ball over Marchetti.

Even at 90 minutes was more to come; arguably the goal of the tournament so far in fact. Quagliarella gloriously chipped the Slovakia goalkeeper from the edge of the area to make the last couple of minutes more frantic, but Italy were timed out in the end, paying the penalty for not playing the whole match with the required intensity. The final whistle was met with jubilation from the smallest competing nation and with tears from the fans and players of Italy.   

Lippi came clean about his mistakes after the game: ‘I accept that I should have started Quagliarella,” he said. “That was another of the choices I made. I accept all blame.”

The truth is Italy are no longer recognisable as the team who won the World Cup four years ago. This has been made glaringly obvious by on paper, poorer sides. The lack of pace, ability to defend adequately and poor finishing touch has contributed to the downfall of the Azzurri at this world cup and no doubt the nation will be demanding change to ensure that this embarrassment does not happen again.

A disappointing two points from a possible six leave the Azzurri dangerously close to elimination from the competition at the first hurdle. They remain without number one goalkeeper Buffon for the encounter with Slovakia, however there is an encouraging possibility that Andrea Pirlo could play some part. Goalscorer Iaquinta is expected to retain his place up front in the starting line up, partnering Gilardino.

The Italians are not heavily fancied by the bookmakers, 11/8 the best price for a victory; however a possible outcome is unpredictable and anything other than a win and Italy will have to rely on results elsewhere, similar to the situation faced by England.

Slovakia also have mixed form coming into the game, despite losing to a convincing Paraguay perfomance and throwing away a win in the dying embers of their opener against New Zealand it is still not impossible for them to qualify.

Is is the job of Marcello Lippi and his players to restore pride and silence the critics back home. But bearing in mind the fate of the French, a win is not to be taken for granted.

Once again the Azzurri were slow out of the traps and after just six minutes, New Zealand were in front. A free-kick was swung into the box and found its way to Smeltz at the far post, who duely converted the ball past the stand-in keeper Federico Marchetti; the goal standing despite the striker seemingly being a yard offside.

This however proved to be a wake up call for the Italians, who soon trapped New Zealand inside their own half, creating numerous chances but failing to take advantage. The most noteable chance fell to Ricardo Montolivo on 27 minutes, his long range drive striking the foot of the right-hand post. The New Zealand resistance was finally broken moments later when defender Tommy Smith brought down Daniele De Rossi inside the area; De Rossi’s dramatic reaction no doubt swaying the referee to award a much needed penalty for Italy. In form striker Vincenzo Iaquinta cooly dispatched the spot kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity as well as relief going into the break.

A second goal looked on the cards for the favourites as they continued to huff and puff in the second half, but it was not to be, despite Lippi’s best attempt to grind out three points, throwing on both Di Natale and Camoranesi. Iaquinta’s late last ditch effort was heroicly blocked by the All-Whites’ Winston Reid and moments later their prayers for the sound of the final whistle were answered.

Although the game was dominated by Italy in the attacking third, a point seemed a fair reward for New Zealand’s determined defending. Italy need Pirlo back as soon as possible. “We hope he will be back for the Slovakia game, but we cannot be 100% certain,” manager Marcello Lippi said. “We have to win that game now, there is no other way around it, because we do not want to go home.” Italy’s third and final group games sees them travel to Ellis Park on Thursday in a crucial win or bust game against contenders Slovakia.

Lippi’s men are without arguably their greatest asset in goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, but hope he will still play a part in the rest of their campaign after stating his will to delay surgery on his back untill after the tournament. Elsewhere on the injury bench – Andrea Pirlo, still missing with a calf injury.

Group F is wide open, with things as they were, all square with each nation having a point to their name. Under pressure Italy boss Marcello Lippi is confident that this can change and looks set to name a similar side to the one that drew in their opener against Paraguay. Lippi said: “I have not seen a great team come into the World Cup and play 100 per cent straightaway. Good preparation is the best way to approach each match with regards to results.” That preparation has been disrupted heavily by the loss of  Buffon, but sub- keeper Federico Marchetti is confident he can prove an able deputy when called upon.

Newcomers New Zealand go into the game full of belief, more so after snatching a point with a last minute goal against Slovakia. The All Whites gave the Azzurri a tough test last time around, only losing 4-3 to the world champions in a friendly. New Zealand and Plymouth striker Rory Fallon promised the Italian defence plenty of aerial combat, warning: “We’re a big, strong team. Those diagonal balls and crosses can make it difficult for defenders”.

South Africa, 15 June 2010. Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha (C) lays in the goal and New Zealand’s Rory Fallon (R) celebrates.” width=”234″ height=”183″ />

Italy will no doubt have one eye on results elsewhere, as minnow sides continue to cause upsets; but three points here is vital in what is see on paper as their easiest fixture.

Spirits were running low in the Italian camp after a number of sluggish displays in freindlies leading up to the game. But the attitude of ‘it’ll be alright on the night’ soon went out of the window, as Italy were on the back foot for the majority of the first half. A casual and cagey first half was brought to life though, as Wigan defender Antolín Alcaraz rose to attack a great delivery from a free-kick on 39 minutes, giving underdogs Paraguay a shock lead going into the break.

South Africa, 14 June 2010.” width=”234″ height=”151″ />

Things went from bad to worse for Italy, as star man Buffon was forced off with a nerve problem in his lower back. Having felt it during the pre-match warm-up and resolved to battle on, he was forced to admit defeat. Lippi hopes he will be fit for the New Zealand game on Sunday but last night Buffon was classed as a doubt.

That Italy recovered parity in the second half owed everything to the unfortunate Justo Villar. The Paraguay goalkeeper was all at sea when Simone Pepe curled over an inswinging corner, failing to connect with his wild flap at the ball and Daniele De Rossi pounced with a close-range volley. Italy failed to up the tempo for the remainder of the game and almost went behind again when Enrique Vera went close. However they did finish strongly, with Montolivo threatening to score the winner from distance.

Overall, both managers seemed content with a point from their opening game, more so for Paraguay, who will feel they have a realistic chance of winning the group. But for Italy, a distinct lack of pace and urgency revealed their downfall and concerns grow as to whether the squad has what it takes to progress, espcially in the absence of key players.

Lets face it, It’s hardly been the ideal preparation for a side with everything to prove on the world stage. Recent friendly match results – including the match against Switzerland, have only served to fuel the pessimistic minds of the Italian nationals who love nothing more than to partake in the nation’s favourite pastime of criticising their beloved Azzurri. A squad that is rapidly ageing, a lack of creativity in addition to the injury of Andrea Pirlo have mounted pressure and expectation onto the shoulders of the few key players.

switzerland-italy/switzerland-italy.jpg?size=234&imageId=9041693″ border=”0″ alt=”Jun. 05, 2010 – Genf Geneve Geneva, SWITZERLAND SCHWEIZ SUISSE – epa02188896 Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (L) fights for the ball with Italy’s forward Fabio Quagliarella (R) during an international friendly test game between the national soccer teams of Switzerland and Italy at the Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, 05 June 2010, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Switzerland will play in group H and Italy in group F.” width=”234″ height=”156″ />

It is not yet clear just how long Italy will be without the beloved Pirlo, this may force a change in formation/tactics. Fiorentina man Riccardo Montolivo looks set to start in place of Pirlo, after being given the nod against Switzerland. In order to make full use of their key men, the trio of De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Di Natale played behind either Alberto Gilardino or Giampaolo Pazzini in the 4-2-3-1 would be using the 3 midfielders currently in the best form. It would also leave Gennaro Gattuso and Montolivo to do the running in midfield, giving cover to any of the questionable pairings picked at centre-back. The evergreen Buffon looks set to remain between the sticks and if the Italians are to mount a serious challenge, then Buffon will no doubt play a vital role. In 2006, he was named in the FIFA all star XI for the tournament, alongside talismanic centre back (and most capped Italian of all time) Fabio Cannavaro.

The only certainty is that Lippi will for the most part remain loyal to his players from 2006 and supporters will have to hope that they can get the job done. The question is do players like Gianluca Zambrotta and Gennaro Gattuso who are sad, faded images of the superstars they once were have enough left to give one last effort for their country?

Under normal circumstances, the Paraguayans would not be considered a big threat, but given Italy’s current form they may well prove to be a tough challenge. The majority of players ply their trade in Europe, so are experienced against such players. More recognisable faces in the Paraguay side include: Manchester City flop come dangerman Roque Santa Cruz, Sunderland defender Paulo Da Silva and Benfica legend Oscar Cardozo. They will also be aware of the need to start their campaign well. Take Germany 2006 as an example; their first group opponents were England. There they demonstrated good climatisation as well as attacking presence, only going down 1-0, thanks to an early own goal. In a group that is completed by New Zealand and Slovakia, Paraguay will feel they have every chance off making it to the next round.

From an Italian point of view the time for complaint and hindsight is nearly at an end, and all that is left is for the fans to support their team through whatever happens in the next four weeks. The squad (and manager) have the expectations of all of Calcio resting on their shoulders and in what will inevitably be the final world cup for many of the Italy players, the fans can be sure that they will want to finish in style and will no doubt have their hearts set on defending the title to equal Brazils’ record of five world titles, starting with a win in Cape Town tomorrow evening.

italy-national-soccer/italy-national-soccer.jpg?size=234&imageId=8840307″ border=”0″ alt=”Italy’s national soccer coach Marcello Lippi looks on during a news conference in Rome May 18, 2010. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (ITALY – Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)” width=”234″ height=”164″ />

 The five unlucky players who will miss out on the journey to Cape Town are: Salvatore Sirigu, Mattia Cassani, Andrea Cossu, Marco Borriello and Giuseppe Rossi, in addition to Fabio Grosso and Luca Toni. Surprisingly, Villareal and former Manchester United hitman Rossi was omitted from the squad, despite being the only player initially included not to ply their trade in Italy. However Rossi faced a struggle for appearences, becoming an understudy to Gilardino, Iaquinta and Di Natale.  

The Italians maintain a high-quality squad, rich with experience, ability and strength. Their ultra-strong back line boasts some of the worlds’ most renowned defenders, including Gianluca Zambrotta and veteran centre back/captain Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro is without doubt the figurehead of the defence; he is Italy’s most capped player of all time and despite his age, the 36 year old still seems as determined and strong as ever. His countless experience of playing at the world cup can only have a positive effect on younger members of the squad. Cannavaro has formed a strong bond with central defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini from their time at Juventus and together along with world-class goalkeeper Buffon, they should be able to keep the opposition at bay, especially in the early stages against teams not renowned for their attacking prowess. Right-back Gianluca Zambrotta remains the Azzurri’s secret weapon, often acting as a fifth midfielder. He also has the added ability of being able to play on either side of defence.

Mexico in Brussels June 3, 2010. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir (BELGIUM – Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)” width=”187″ height=”228″ />

For many Italians, hope of retaining their title hangs in the balance, with the scare that playmaker Andrea Pirlo may face a summer on the sidelines after picking up a serious calf injury in their opening friendly against Mexico. Also the influential Camoranesi faces a race for fitness. Mixed reports have been emerging from the Italy camp as to whether Pirlo or Camoranesi will be fit to take part in the tournament, meaning that a patched up midfield may include the likes of Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo, a defensive midfielder who can also operate as an attacking outlet, as well as the creative winger Simone Pepe, who was drafted in by Lippi as cover for Camoranesi, but may find himself in the starting line up for Italy’s opener against Paraguay and possibly the following group game against minnows New Zealand. A key player that Italy will be looking to hang on to is the tough-tackling Gennaro Gattuso. His mental attributes are invaluable for the Azzurri in the centre of the field and motivated even more by the fact that this world cup is likely to be his last, he will be looking to go out with a bang.

In attack Italy boast the prolific target man Alberto Gilardino. Gilardino scored the goal that confirmed Italy’s qualification to this summer’s World Cup when he netted against Ireland in October. He currently has 16 goals from his 39 caps. His partner up front is the strong Vincenzo Iaquinta. Although his goalscoring record is not the best, his ability to bring others into play with flick-ons and deft touches, making him a key man; and at 6ft 3″ he also poses a distinct aerial threat. Antonio Di Natale (also making the final 23) may be classed as a striker but will be mainly used on the left hand side of the attack.

The final squad is as follows:

Udinese’s Gokhan Inler put Switzerland ahead in the 10th minute with a long range piledriver, but Fabio Quagliarella, a late addition to Lippi’s squad, levelled with a header four minutes later. Switzerland had three chances to win it late on. Eren Derdiyok headed wide from a good position before Alberto Gilardino did the same at the other end for Italy. As the game moved into the final five minutes, Hakan Yakin, a late replacement for Frei, sent a free-kick wide from 25 yards, while Marchetti denied Xherdan Shaqiri in injury time, parrying away his left-footed effort from 25 yards.

Italy will now board the plane to Cape Town in preperation for their World Cup group opener against a tough Paraguay side on June 16th, with added pressure on both the manager and the players; especially with playmaker Andrea Pirlo picking up an injury that may threaten his chances of taking part. Many of the Italian fans are calling for the head of manager Lippi after a string of poor performances, but the 62 year old will no doubt be looking to iron out the mistakes and lead his side to World cup glory once again.

Arsenal fringe player Carlos Vela opened the scoring for Mexico early in the first half, latching onto a fine through ball by Giovani before firing his shot past a helpless Buffon. Although it was Italy who had the majority of the early chances, Mexico continued to threaten. Fernandez was about to double the advantage on 24 minutes after turning veteran Cannavaro, but a Criscito tackle came to the rescue for Italy.

Italy’s best hope of scoring seemed to be from set-pieces and just shy of the hour mark Leonardo Bonucci headed over unmarked from a corner. All eyes were on new Manchester United signing Hernandez, but he failed to impress, missing a glorious chance to put his side 2-0 up. A deserved second Mexico goal finally arrived as two substitutes combined. Mexico legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco delivered a magnificent chipped ball to play in Alberto Medina who finished emphatically by driving the ball into the corner.

With two minutes remaining Italy managed to get a consolation as substitute Salvatore Bocchetti hit the post with his first touch from a corner, but fellow defender Bonucci lashed home the rebound.

The focus seemed on Lippi’s team selection from an Italian point of view, but their lack-luster performance left a lot to be desired for. Although this was their first friendly, the Italians will need to sharpen up as they face Switzerland in their final warm up game, before heading off to Cape Town to begin the defence of their world title.