Fifa World Cup 2010: Italy Slovakia player ratings

For the first time ever an Italian team has failed to record a victory at a World Cup tournament. Our Azzurri finished last in their group, another first. So far this year the national team have only managed four draws and two losses. 

Talk was of good team spirit. However they were a team that put in a tragically poor first half. Probably one of the worst performances that any modern Italian team has produced in the World Cup.

It wasn't until there was 10 minutes remaining on the clock that the Italians finally took the game to the Slovaks. By that point they were 2-0 down.

The climax was fascinating. The question that begged to be answered why had it taken the Italians 260 minutes of tournament play to find rhythmn and finally be able to mount a number of attacks that would result in open-play goals.

Lippi has taken responsibility for the tragedy that was this year's World Cup effort. The reality is that today, his players did relatively little for him.

For a number of the players below this will be their last game for the Azzurri. Probably all of those retiring deserved a better finish to their international careers.

Italy's proud history took a dent. All of these players are collectively responsible for a shameful effort. Throughout the tournament the ragazzi seemed short of confidence and were lacking of motivation.

 

ITALY

Marchetti: 4 – Difficult to rate Marchetti. None of the goals the Slovakians scored could be put down to goalkeeping errors, but yet they still did score three. Maybe judgement best put on hold until he plays behind a more secure defensive line.

Zambrotta: 5 –Reliable but not scintillating. At times looked capable but too often lacked for the basics. For example, failing to stop a switch pass from going out.

Cannavaro: 3.5 - Lippi's expectations proved too much. The hero of 2006 cut a forlorn figure in this year's event. Too many gaps emerged within the defensive line, most of them were probably due to Fabio's lack of pace.

Chiellini: 6 – A strong performance. At times Giorgio seemed to be covering more than his position. Made a number of telling tackles.

Criscito: 4.5 – Seemed to be playing with a nervous disposition. Maybe a player for the future, but today wasn't his day.

Gattuso: 4 –Reno was ever present but in reality did not add much to the game. The 4-3-3 formation wasn't structured or tight enough to enable him to enjoy a good performance. Covered a lot of yards but wasn't productive with his efforts. His brilliantly manufactured facial expressions helped his score.

De Rossi: 4 – A bad day in the office. Played Santa, in delivering a gift ball to the Slovaks which lead to their first goal. After that blunder he just didn't bounce back. Daniele's game today was a total stain on the games he played against Paraguay and the All Whites.

Montolivo: 3.5 – Another midfielder who played a shocker. Seemed very casual in approach. Terrible shot at the end of the first half when he flayed at the ball, especially given he had time and space to apply a more targeted effort. Where was the desire to perform?

Pepe: 4.5 – The nearly man who missed a great opportunity right at the end. For the rest of his life he will see the ball and net beckoning. Most of the attacks in the second half were launched on the left flank, given Pepe was playing on the right this didn't help his score.

Iaquinta: 5 – Looked strong, but never really looked like scorer.

Di Natale: 5 – Could have scored a few goals today. Had one stopped on the line. Received a great through ball from Maggio (in the second half) produced a limp shot that did not even draw a save from the goalie. Not convinced he has the ability for this level.

Substitutes:

Maggio: 5 –Odd for LIppi to bring on a defender for another, given Italy's questionable offensive performance. Did a few things well when first coming on. Maybe a player for the future?

Quagliarella: 7 – Italy's best individual performance. I was actually hoping he would be a run on starter. Great goal, unlucky prior attempt was ruled offside. He looked good launching attacks on the left hand side.

Pirlo: 6 – Showed glimpses of how the Italians would have benefited from having a fit Pirlo on the field.