Fifa World Cup 10: Italian player ratings after their Kiwi encounter

For the Azzurri it was one of those matches result wise, where even the most brilliant of individual performances would at the end of the day bring no pleasure. However for the record here is my assesement of today's blues.

Marchetti- 4: Besides retrieving the ball from the back of the net, after Shane Smeltz's scoring strike, Federico didn't really do much else. He will probably watch tapes of Mark Paston's performance to help hime remember what it is a goalie does.

Zambrotta- 7: Great strike early in the game, just drifted over the bar. His raids on Tony Lochhead's wing caused anguish for the Kiwis. Gianluca looked like he had returned to some classical form of old. Something happened, maybe someone changed the game plan and this eradicated the fine start Zambrotta has enjoyed.

The Italians desperately need to give Gianluca more latitude to attack. His long distant shots are invaluable to Italy's cause.

Cannavaro- 4: Povero Fabio. Failed to control Simon Elliot deft free kick in the opening stanza of the game. His touch on the ball made it easier for Smeltz to poke the ball into the back of the net. Smeltz's goal resulted in a loss of Italian composure confidence.

The All White tie was never going to suit Cannavaro. This was the ideal opportunity to start with the taller Bonucci in the centre of the field.

Chiellini- 7.5: Man amongste minions. Strong courageous performance. Did well to combat the Kiwi's physical and aerial game. Showed determination on attack. A bit more grace in front of goal would of allowed Giorgio to net a goal.   

Criscito- 4: Badly needs to venture out and meet the Wizard of Oz, so as to get a couple of doses of confidence. Can someone please provide positive encouragement to our Domenico?

Pepe- 6.5: Toiled hard. Seems to currently be the best Italian for completing penetrative runs. Seems he was subbed by Marcello for placing aerial balls into the box. This contradicted Italy's pre-match strategy of keeping the ball on the deck. Maybe Marcello should of used a whiteboard at half time to recommunicate his plans, rather than subbing his most penetrative attacker.  

De Rossi- 6.5: Again offered a solid performance. Hopefully Pirlo will be back for the Slovak tie. It would be great to see Andrea and Daniele in partnership.

Montolivo- 7: Riccardo was Italy's best creator. Will also benefit from Andrea's return. A couple of excellent long range attempts. One of his strikes deviated considerably before hitting the post (unluckily for the Azzurri this would be the only occassion Kiwi goalie Mark Paston was well beaten).

Marchisio- 3: It would be wrong to select this guy for the tie against Slovakia. Hasn't shown ablity at either trequartista or on the left flank.

Gilardino- 3: The United Nations Missing in Action team are still filing their report on what's happened to Alberto. David Copperfield is examining videos of the Paraguay and New Zealand games to see how he, like Alberto, can make himself vanish in the box. 

Iaquinta-7: The best of Italy's attackers. Needs a bit of luck and the goals will come. Not sure who should partner Vincenzo up front. How weird would it be, if Lippi has come to South Africa without a striker. A good penalty strike.

Substitutes

Di Natale- 6: Was inventive, but for the most part his dribbling skills were not sufficient to break the shackles of the All White defence. Maybe deserves a starting role against Slovakia?

Camoranesi- 5: When sipping beers at the end of their World Cup campaign it's very doubtful the Kiwis will recollect Mauro's performance or mention his name.

Pazzini- 3: Are you sure he came on? What did he do?

I saw the official hold up the substititution beacon, but was Giampaolo actually out there. Maybe he was busy helping the United Nations in trying to trace Gilardino.

The above highlights the problem the Azzurri face, not enough personnel carrying the shield and playing fantastic games. The Italians themselves recognise that things need to change if they are to remain in South Africa for the knock-out rounds.