Categories: 2018 World Cup

Italy out of World Cup

Robert Vittek scored twice for Slovakia as his side stunned the World Champions 3-2 at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

The 28-year-old who had managed Slovakia’s sole goal in the cup so far, scored goals in the 25th and 74th minutes for a side who had only managed four shots on target in their previous two games. Slovakia were the better side throughout and thoroughly deserved their win. However any thoughts that the game was dead at 2-0 proved exhilaratingly false.

Antonio Di Natale pulled one back late to give Italy some hope nine minutes from time. The Udinese player thought he had scored a dramatic equaliser in the 85th minute but was ruled marginally though correctly offside.

However, the Azzurri fate was sealed when substitute Kamil Kopunek added a third in the 89th with his first touch of the match, after reacting first to a right hand throw in. Fabio Quagliarella smashed in another goal from 30 yards in stoppage time to add extra drama.

Pepe had a dramatic late chance for an equaliser but mishit the shot wide.

It is Italy’s first exit at this stage since 1974 when they finished third behind Poland and Argentina.

With France’s early exit, both 2006 finalists are now out of the competition. The match will signify a farewell to the generation of players, led by Fabio Cannavaro, who won the World Cup in 2006.

Speculation will immediately begin as to who will manage the soon to be former World Champions after the inevitable axe falls of Marcello Lippi.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares
Steve Clare

Share
Published by
Steve Clare
Tags: Ita

Recent Posts

Advantage Miami as they win game one against Nashville

Inter Miami 3–1 Nashville SC FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--Inter Miami took a significant step forward in…

6 hours ago

USWNT drop friendly to Portugal

USA Women 1-2 Portugal Women CHESTER, PA--It started well after 33 seconds, but two goals…

22 hours ago

Portland Timbers “earned” their spot in the playoffs

The Portland Timbers have, in coach Phil Neville’s words, “earned the right to say we…

1 day ago

Here we Go its San Diego F.C. in Round One

  (8) Portland Timbers vs (1) San Diego F.C. Sunday, October 26, 2025 KO 6:30…

1 day ago

An emotional night at Portland’s wildcard game win over Salt Lake City (photo gallery)

The Portland Timbers needed to answer for last weekend's loss to San Diego in the…

2 days ago

Fire end playoff drought by dominating Orlando

Chicago Fire 3-1 Orlando City SC BRIDGEVIEW, IL—It had been 5,828 days since Fire fans…

2 days ago