Defending champions Italy were eliminated from the 2010 FIFA World Cup earlier today as a result of their 3-2 loss to Slovakia in Johannesburg.
Robert Vittek put Slovakia ahead in the 25th minute by capitalizing on a poor backpass from Daniele De Rossi. Vittek doubled Slovakia’s lead in the 73rd on a scrappy close range effort from a corner kick.
Antonio Di Natale scored for Italy in the 81st before substitute Kamil Kopunek made the score 3-1 in the 89th with his first touch of the match. Fabio Quagliarella ensured a tense finish to play with an injury time goal for the Azzuri.
Slovakia will now meet the Netherlands in the Round of 16 of the World Cup on June 28th. Italy must now rebuild a team with several retiring players for their Euro 2012 campaign.