Italy out after Slovak defeat

Not comparing sizes, just upset: Maggio, left, and Cannavaro

We knew Italy weren't the team of four years ago, but who expected this?

The Italians became one of the worst World Cup holders ever when a shock 3-2 defeat to Slovakia dumped them out in the first round with no wins and two points.

To add insult to injury, they finished bottom of the group - behind mighty New Zealand, who surprisingly left the tournament unbeaten after their 0-0 draw with Paraguay.

In a pulsating encounter, Robert Vittek fired Slovakia ahead on 25 minutes after Daniele de Rossi's careless pass led to an opening.

Italy searched for an equaliser, and Fabio Quagliarella came close when his second-half effort was cleared off the line by Martin Skrtel.

The champions fell asleep in the 73rd minute however, when Vittek again nipped ahead of his man to steer in a second at the near post.

Antonio Di Natale tapped in an open goal with nine minutes left, and Quagliarella thought he equalised minutes later, but a questionable offside decision denied them.

And the Italians were made to rue the decision when substitute Kamil Kopunek against took advantage of more shoddy defending to dink in Slovakia's third with virtually his first touch.

The action was still not over as Quagliarella scored a stunning chip from distance, but it was not enough for the holders as Slovakia produced an outstanding victory to knock the holders out.

First France, now Italy - and hopefully Germany on Sunday....