FIFA World Cup 2010: With Powers Struggling, Italy Looks Poised For Bit Of Luck

It must be something in the water...or the atmosphere. Until Spain managed a 2-0 win over Honduras, the stalwarts of football were assumed to be falling apart. France, almost matching its 2002 form, managed a lot of bad press and one goal before being unceremoniously ousted from the World Cup finals. Germany lost to Serbia after a clinical 4-0 win over Australia. England has yet to show up.

Brazil and Argentina? They're fine, as usual, though they were feeling the heat for not scoring more.

All of this worrying and over-analysis of the power houses of football has given Italy a bit of peace from the front page. This is probably for the best, as their form hasn't exactly inspired supporters. Lackluster, out of sorts, uncreative and a bit slow all describe the Azzurri's showing so far.

Fault has been placed on captain Fabio Cannavaro who, to be fair, could have registered an assist on New Zealand's goal, while the rest of the defense seems a touch slow and the midfield still out of synch. Coach Marcello Lippi is also a convenient scapegoat, as his changing tactics and propensity to use players out of position have come under criticism.

In the end, it's likely a little bit of everything. No one should escape criticism, as the coach chose the team and tactics, and the players are responsible for executing.

All that aside of course, and dismissing the calls for players left at home, what you are seeing is arguably the best Italy has to offer this year: a little off and a little lucky, as De Rossi showed against New Zealand (note: dive or no, pulling the jersey of a player trying to score in the box is a penalty).

So, what's next for Italy? A crucial must win game against Slovakia? Not really, as it turns out. Once again Italy could have fortune smile down on them, going through the group stages with just three points if they draw and New Zealand lose or draw with a lower goal total. Italy still has the chance to come in first or last in their group.

What exactly the second round would hold for Italy is anyone's guess. With Andrea Pirlo returning to add cohesion and a touch of class to the midfield, perhaps Italy will revisit its role as sleeping giant ready to awaken. Or maybe they'll fizzle out in the group stages, which no one could argue isn't deserved.

It's more probable that Italy will handle their last match and produce a win against Slovakia, while Paraguay will take at least one point from their match with New Zealand. This would likely present Italy with the daunting second round challenge of facing the Netherlands, the "best team never to win a World Cup."

Analyze them, dismiss their game or insult the players, as many commentators seem wont to do. Whichever you choose, there is really no ignoring Italy until they are eliminated.

So, until the 2012 Euro when fresh new players should arrive, fans should expect the back and forth of being frustrated and underwhelmed, while also being amazed and invigorated by their play at times. If more of the latter occurs, Italy could somehow stumble to another World Cup.

They are always 100 percent ready to win...or lose. That's the way it is with Italy.