Reigning champions Italy were sensationally knocked out of the World Cup by Slovakia, who clinchedtheir place in the last 16 with victory in a match of incredible drama and tension throughout.The Azzurri were looking to bounce back after two consecutive draws against lower opposition and knew that only a win would be good enough to book a place in the next round.In the daysleading up to the game, Marcello Lippi had called for a step up in gear for a game that he knew could be his last if Italy failed to qualify.The Italianshad turned out in force in support of theirteam in Johannesburg Cincinnati Bengals Women Jersey , but it proved to bedeja vu once again as theysaw their sidefall behind.Hamsik hadgone close early on for Slovakia but only stubbed his shot.25 minutes in and sloppy Italian pa sing in their own half invited Slovakia to take the lead. Daniele De Ro sis pa s was cut out by the excellent Kucka, who lost no time in moving the ball forward for Vittek, whobeat Federico Marchetti with a first-time shot from the edge of the area. Little else in the form of chances fell to either side before the interval, barring a terrific volley from Kucka that flew narrowly off Germaine Pratt Men Jersey -target.Lippi was forced into taking drastic measures at half-time,replacing the lethargic Gattusowith the lively Quagliarella and Criscito making way for Maggio.And when he saw Antonio Di Natalefluff ashotfrom a presentable opportunity just before the hour, he played the only card he had left and sent on Andrea Pirlo, the midfielder who had been unable toplay so fardue toinjury. The decision appeared to backfire though, as Miroslav Stoch had already sent a shot narrowly wide by the time Van Jefferson Women Jersey Vittek added his second, a goal that established beyond doubt Italys title defence was over. A failure to clear the danger from a corner allowed Hamsik to return the ball for Vittek to sweep in a near post shot forhis second.Only when seemingly out of therunning did Italy make a fight of the game. Di Natalereduced the deficitwith a tap in after Quagliarellas shot was palmed back out; a number of players were then involved ina scuffle in the net as Quagliarella attempted to get the ball back for the restart.The Azzurris luck seemed welland trulyout, as first a vital Quagliarella goal was ruled out for offside, then a Skrtel blocklooked to be behind the line, butSlovakia were given the benefit of the doubt. The pendulum then swung back in favour of the underdogs and with Italy throwing everyone forward,Kamil Kopunek (on as a substitute)ran straight through to latch on to a throw and lift the ball over Marchetti.Even at 90 minutes was more to come Sammy Watkins Jersey ; arguably the goal of the tournament so far infact. Quagliarella gloriously chipped the Slovakia goalkeeper from the edge of the area to make the last couple of minutes more frantic, but Italy were timed out in the end, paying the penalty for not playing the whole match with the required intensity.The finalwhistlewas met with jubilation fromthe smallest competing nation and with tears from the fans and players of Italy. Lippi came clean about his mistakesafter the game: I accept that I should have started Quagliarella,he said. That was another of the choices I made. I accept all blame.The truth is Italy are no longer recognisable as the team who won the World Cup four years ago. This has been made glaringly obviousbyon paper, poorer sides.The lack of pace, ability to defend adequately andpoor finishing touch has contributed to the downfall of the Azzurri at this world cup and no doubt Mike Mitchell Jersey thenation will be demanding change to ensure that this embarra sment does not happen again.