However, based on past experiences, Italian supporters thought that once qualification for the final phase was secured, the Squadra would have been able to regain its efficient team persona, if not quality.
Unfortunately, this was not the case against Slovakia in the decisive match that the representatives of this small Central European country won quite deservedly and without really suffering, except in the last quarter of an hour when the Azzurri managed to come back to 1-2 and then 2-3. But in the meantime, a huge defensive positioning error allowed the Slovaks to score the third and decisive goal, the one that secured their qualification.
Qualification that the Italians had already significantly compromised with two draws in the two previous matches, each time coming back from behind with difficulty.
Marcello Lippi’s team was certainly no longer the one from four years ago with a final victory in Germany, solid in defense and incisive in attack. Players who were visibly at the end of their international careers, like Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Gattuso, and Pirlo (who was also injured and only made a short appearance against Slovakia), others who lacked “standing” like Iaquinta and Pepe, and still others who were mediocre like Montolivo and De Rossi, who never gave the Squadra its usual identity, not necessarily pleasant to watch but always able to find a way out.
Coach Marcello Lippi also bears great responsibility for the choice of players and tactics, appearing indecisive and confused, even sometimes resigned.
Finally, Italy returns home after a truly disappointing South African campaign, and one can foresee the inevitable controversies and some summary trials that Italians are accustomed to, where passion overtakes reason.
For the future, a vast project awaits the future coach Prandelli because the defeat against Slovakia was also the last act for a generation of players, and they will have to start anew with a new group that, due to this premature elimination, must be urgently assembled.
Arrivederci Italia!
