The Ellis Park Post-Mortem

It was coming. Italy exited the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, despite a dramatic attempt at a late comeback against Slovakia. The Azzurri failed to muster a single victory. While they were not expected to successfully defend their title, even Lippi admitted as much, no one could have foreseen the humiliation suffered by Marcello Lippi’s team in Ellis Park. “This is Italy”, we were told. And Italy always found a way. In South Africa, from the opening whistle against Paraguay in Cape Town on June 14, there were blindingly evident failings.

The most likely criticism which will be aimed at Lippi’s side is age. Nowhere was this more noticeable than in their captain, Fabio Cannavaro. At the age of thirty-six, having not been offered a new contract by a struggling Juventus, Cannavaro has been pilloried by Italian fans and the Italian sporting newspapers for months. It is a shame to see such a gifted footballer as the former Ballon d’Or winner wither into a spectre. In South Africa, Cannavaro was culpable for at least two of the five goals scored against Italy. The Azzuri captain could only  watch despairingly as Kamil Kopunek galloped past him to score Slovakia’s third. That Lippi was steadfast in his loyalty to Fabio Cannavaro was a tragedy.

Cannavaro was not the only member of the squad entering the twilight of his career. Gattuso, Pirlo, Di Natale, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Iaquinta and more are all in their thirties. The squad did not have the vivacity or energy to tackle a World Cup tournament played mostly at altitude.

When Lippi first named his provisional side and later his full, 23 man squad there was outrage in the Italian media. The Tuscan manager was seen as being too loyal to his old club Juventus, despite their inauspicious season, with nine making the provisional squad. The selection of Pepe, Di Natale, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Quagliarella and Pazzini as his forwards was lambasted.

In every previous Italian squad for a World Cup there has been a fantasista, a trequartista, a gifted, creative attacker playing just off the strikers. Cast your memories back as far as Gianni Rivera, Sandro Mazzola, Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Baggio and even, most recently, Alessa Del Piero and Francesco Totti.

Lippi controversially opted against offering Totti a recall. This decision looking even more absurd when you consider that the Italian coach decided not to bring any of the following replacements for Totti’s guile and much coveted ‘footballing I.Q.’: Fabrizio Miccoli, Antonio Cassano, Mario Balotelli, Alessandro Del Piero and Giuseppe Rossi.

Stranger still was Lippi’s insistence that Italy should play with an attacking tridente of three forwards, usually with one of the three fulfilling the trequartista/Number 10 role. With none of the forwards brought by Lippi capable of fulfilling the role, the closest thing Lippi had to a visionary playmaker was Pirlo. The injury sustained by the AC Milan stalwart in training just before the tournament was fatal.

The question now is, where is the next generation? Which players will be promoted under the incoming regime of Cesare Prandelli. It was a cruel blow to Italy that one of the goals that sealed their demise was gifted to Robert Vittek of Slovakia by one of their stars of the present and future, Daniele De Rossi. De Rossi, who plays a dual role as a snarling, combative defensive midfielder and as a pass-machine in the mould of Pirlo, will be a focal point of Prandell’s Azzurri. Recalls may finally be offered to Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi in attack, while defenders Bonucci, Bochetti, Gamberini and Criscito offer Prandelli some intriguing combinations.

Looking even further into the future the likes of Di Silvestri, Forestieri, Macheda, Paloschi and Petrucci may yet realize their potential talent.

The future is not as bleak for Italy as many feel. However, the bitter anguish of Ellis Park and 2010 will live long in the memory and Italian calcio may take some time to recover.

Slovakia progress in 3-2 thriller

Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Marcello Lippi’s Italy became only the fourth defending World Champions to fail to progress past the group stage at a World Cup finals. Slovakia, having failed to impress in their opening two games, came from nowhere to stun the Azzurri and took a 2-0 lead deep in the second half courtesy of a brace from Robert Vittek. Antonio Di Natale pulled one back for Italy before Kopunek gave Slovakia an incredible 3-1 lead. Fabio Quagliarella, who had battled admirably since coming at half-time, chipped in a magnificent goal to gave Vladimir Weiss’ side an scare. The Slovakians held on, however, to register a famous win and progress to the Round of 16.

Italy got off to a very slow start. The passion they displayed at national anthem time had apparently deserted them within minutes of Howard Webb’s opening whistle. Vladimir Weiss’ Slovakia were not making it easy for them, committing fouls to break up any spells of possession.

Italian hopes looked to be dashed when in the twenty-fourth minute Daniele De Rossi’s misjudged pass to Riccardo Montolivo was intercepted before Robert Vittek, Slovakia’s record goalscorer, slotted the ball past Federico Marchetti. It was a dreadful mistake by De Rossi, one which could be seen as a manifestation of a poor World Cup for the Italians.

Italy needed answers. Andrea Pirlo, the brilliant but injured AC Milan midfielder was on the bench. Balotelli, Cassano and Totti were at home in Italy. The lack of a dedicated ‘fantasista’ for Italy in the mould of Totti, Del Piero or Baggio was sorely missed by the Azzurri, who had always depended on a Number Ten to provide creativity and incision.

In the absence of a these players, Italy squandered possession and in truth, did not create many chances in the first half. With Italy at least needing a goal to progress, Marcello Lippi produced his gambit. On came Fabio Quagliarella and Cristian Maggio in place of Gennaro Gattuso and Domenico Criscito respectively.

With the Slovakian goalkeeper, Mucha, dedicated to wasting time just minutes into the second half, Lippi attempted to bring further impetus to his side with the introduction of Pirlo. The AC Milan midfielder’s introduction was granted a rousing reception from the Italian fans in Ellis Park, who sensed that a comeback would hang on the midfielder’s ability to mastermind attacking sequences.

Italy’s chance arrived just after the hour. Quagliarella shot from an angle with the goalkeeper out of position only to see his effort hacked off the line by Martin Skrtel. The Napoli striker was adamant he had scored. The referee and his assistants were decidedly less than convinced. Replays failed to clarify whether the ball had indeed crossed the line.

Slovakia made Italy pay for that missed opportunity. Robert Vittek was once again the hero as he slotted past a bewildered Federico Marchetti. In the Italian technical area, Marcello Lippi looked crestfallen.

Despite their failings, Italy did mount a valiant comeback. Antonio Di Natale capitalising on a rebound to slot past Mucha with just over ten minutes remaining.

Substitute Kamil Kopunek looked to have ended the Azzurri challenge with a late third for Slovakia. The forward dashed past Fabio Cannavaro and on to a throw in before producing a sublime finish to beat Marchetti.

That was not to be the end of the drama. Fabio Quagliarella, who had made an impact since coming on for Gattuso, has a reputation in Serie A for only scoring spectacular goals. The Napoli striker lived up to his billing. Quagliarella received the ball on the edge of the ‘D’, from there he took a touch before unleashing a perfect chip over Mucha.

The Italians had one last chance to complete a stirring fightback. Giorgio Chiellini’s long throw was flicked on to the backpost. Simone Pepe attempted to fire home a reaction shot with his right foot but failed to connect.

The miss prompted scenes of jubilation in the Slovakian dugout, Vladimir Weiss’ side progressing at the expense of New Zealand who could only draw 0-0 with Paraguay. The negative football that had characterised Slovakia’s opening two games was overhauled in this afternoon’s match. In a damning indictment of Italy’s World Cup, the Slovakians were the better side.

The defeat marks the end of Marcello Lippi’s decorated career in management and also the international career of one Fabio Cannavaro. The defender, whose contract was not renewed by Juventus at the end of last season, bowed out with ignominy.

Slovakia will progress to meet Holland in the Round of 16.

The upsets continue as New Zealand hold Azzurri

New Zealand 1-1 Italy

A controversial goal from Shane Smeltz gave the outsiders the lead inside of ten minutes. Italy attacked the All Whites for the remained of the first half and earned an equaliser from the penalty spot. Vicenzo Iaquinta, played out of position by Marcello Lippi in the opening game, converting the spot kick. A brave defensive effort followed from Ricki Herbert’s side, with goalkeeper Mark Paston and captain Ryan Nelsen each performing valiantly in the face of tremendous pressure from the reigning world champions.

Paraguay’s 2-0 victory over Slovakia in today’s early kick-off meant that Italy would need to beat New Zealand by three goals to claim the top spot in the group. The Azzurri started brightly with Juventus’ Vicenzo Iaquinta showing much improvement from his turgid display against Paraguay. Shockingly, despite Italy’s early attacking intent, New Zealand took the lead. A diagonal free-kick was sent by Elliott towards the centre where it was flicked on by Winston Reid. The ball ricocheted off the thigh of Fabio Cannavaro before falling to Shane Smeltz. The A-League’s Golden Boot winner kept his composure to finish past Federico Marchetti.

There were no complaints from the Italian defenders. However, replays showed that Smeltz was in an offside position when Reid’s leapt above Alberto Gilardino to glance the ball forward.

Italy would need to come from behind against Ricki Herbert’s expertly organised side.

The Italians controlled possession and territory for the next half-hour or so. New Zealand resorted to the physical approach in order to frustrate their illustrious opposition. Striker Rory Fallon led with his elbow on numerous occassions against Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini and received a booking.

Chiellini is known as an aerial threat from corners but, as we saw in the first half, his shooting is less than threatening. A corner fell to the Juventus defender at the back post. Chiellini had ample time and space to strike but poked a dismal effort high to the left of the goal.

The Azzurri fullbacks Domenico Criscito and Gianluca Zambrotta posed a considerable menace to New Zealand. Criscito was willing to move into advanced positions while Zambrotta blasted a long range shot just over Mark Paston’s goal.

Italy had a committed to testing Mark Paston with long range efforts, perhaps noticing the goalkeeper’s unexceptional outing against Slovakia. Riccardo Montolivo, of Fiorentina, had the best attempt. His low, curling effort from twenty-five yards left the Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper motionless as it cannoned off his right post. It appeared that an equaliser was brewing for the Italians and they earned it just two minutes later.

A penalty was awarded to the Azzurri following Tommy Smith’s foul on Daniele De Rossi. Smith, a representative of England at underage level, hauled the Roma midfielder to the ground in the penalty area. Vicenzo Iaquinta took the penalty taking responsibility in the absence of Andrea Pirlo. Iaquinta had been the subject of much criticism in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Paraguay but he did not let that condemnation dissuade him from firing a fine penalty after sending Paston in the wrong direction.

Italy continued to press forward. They found it difficult to create any chances through crosses with Ryan Nelsen having such a fine game at the heart of the All Whites’ defence.

Iaquinta was quietly having a fine game for Italy, leading the line with some astute movement and passing. For all of his qualities, his striker partner was having a putrid first half. Alberto Gilardino has been a sufficiently good striker in Serie A for many years now, but his form for the national team has never corresponded with his turns at Fiorentina and AC Milan.

This realisation may have dawned on Marcello Lippi who withdrew Gilardino and the equally ineffective Simone Pepe at the break with one of Serie A’s finest ‘marcatori’ Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi replacing the pair.

Lippi did not budge from the 4-4-2 formation he had fielded from the start of this game and Ricki Herbert must have been delighted to see no change in tactics from Italy after half-time.

Di Natale quickly found himself involved in the action, hooking an imaginative volley over his shoulder only to see Paston beat it away.

Further crosses fell on Nelsen and Smith in the New Zealand defence but the duo were good enough to deal with every threatening delivery sent their way.

In search of a potentially vital goal, Lippi brought Sampdoria striker Gianpaolo Pazzini on in place of Claudio Marchisio. Lippi reverting to the 4-3-3 approach which dwindled against the Paraguayans. 4-3-3 was probably a wise move against Herbert’s defence, allowing the Italians more space to create as the All Whites tried to cope with more attacking threats.

‘Toto Di Natale was causing the resolute New Zealand defenders problems. His expressive approach to the forward role has long been admired in Serie A and it was exhibited beautifully here with the Udinese attacker eager to rush out to the flanks in search of possession as he tried relentlessly to force a killer pass.

Italy’s best option, however, still appeared to be long shots. The All Whites had dropped what seemed like their entire midfield on top of their defence in a concerted effort to earn another point at the World Cup. Riccardo Montolivo tested Paston once more with another powerful strike from thirty yards.

As the match reached it’s conclusion the All Whites, helmed by the magnificent Ryan Nelsen, stood firm. They had to deal with some accomplished crosses for the duration of the game and they were not beaten by any of them. In a post-match interview Vicenzo Iaquinta offered his praise to the All Whites.

“New Zealand defended very well and got almost all the headers in the box”, admitted the Juventus’ striker.

The surprise result leaves the All Whites very much in contention for a place in the Second Round. A victory over group leaders Paraguay might be enough to see them through. Italy also face a ‘do-or-die’ game against Slovakia. If they fail to win against Vladimir Weiss’ side then they will fail to progress from the group, a miserable outcome for a defending world champion.

There is little doubt that changes will be made by Lippi for the encounter with Slovakia. It would appear that his patience with Pepe and Gilardino has worn out, albeit belatedly. The Azzurri manager will retire after the tournament and you can be assured that the ‘Silver Fox’ will be hoping for the same adventurous spirit from his Azzurri side against Slovakia but with much improved finishing.

Giuseppe Rossi to be named in provisional Azzurri squad

New Jersey native Giuseppe Rossi has earned a place on the provisional thirty-man roster for the World Cup. The list apparently obtained by Sky Italia ahead of the official announcement by the FIGC this afternoon.

The world champions have recalled almost all of the players named in the training squad that gathered in Rome last week. The sole exceptions being the omission of Juventus’ Nicola Legrottaglie and the additions of Rossi and Roma’s central midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

Marcello Lippi has given many of the veterans of the triumphant 2006 campaign a vote of confidence, recalling ten of the players that took to the field in Germany four years ago.

Controversy has surrounded Lippi’s decisions over since the naming of his training squad last week, with many pointing to the omissions of Mario Balotelli, Fabrizio Miccoli and Francesco Totti as glaring oversights by the former Juventus manager. While the provisional squad itself is furnished with many talented players and veterans of many international campaigns, the ingenuity that these players would have provided may be missed by the Azzurri this summer.

For many Italians the naming of Giuseppe Rossi to the side is overdue and yet surprising. The Villarreal forward has impressed in his second season in Liga BBVA and should bring the impetuosity of youth to an Italian template in danger of becoming stale, should he be selected for the final squad.

Goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)

Defenders Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Fabio Grosso (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluigi Zambrotta (A.C. Milan)

Midfielders Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Udinese/Juventus), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Daniele De Rossi (A.S. Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (A.C. Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (A.C. Milan)

Forwards Marco Borriello (A.C. Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)

Lippi names Azzurri preliminary squad

Defending FIFA World Cup champions Italy have announced a 29 man preliminary squad for this summer’s tournament. Coach Marcello Lippi has risked the scourge of the notorious Italian media by leaving out a number of on-form star players. There is no place for Palermo’s dynamic Fabrizio Miccoli, enigmatic Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano or Fiorentina’s solid centreback Alessandro Gamberini.

Lippi has instead opted to retain a substantial portion of the side that captured the World Cup in Germany in 2006, withCannavaro, Grosso, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Pirlo and Camoranesi all making the squad. The squad list is noteworthy for the

predominance of Juventus players despite their middling form in Serie A, nine of the ‘Old Lady’s players selected by the former Juventus coach.

Members of Internazionale and AS Roma were not considered for the training camp to take place in Rome this weekend; this being the result of both teams’ progress to the Coppa Italia final. Of those players Daniele De Rossi is certain to be bound for South Africa. Intrigue will remain concerning the fate of Inter’s Mario Balotelli as well as Roma’s Francesco Totti and Luca Toni, both reconsidering their international retirement.

More squad analysis to follow on worldcupdaily.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)

Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Fabio Grosso (Juventus), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Juventus), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan)

Forwards: Marco Borriello (Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli).