ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA...

As if the recent shenanigans with France's shock exit from the World Cup wasn't bad enough, the current world champions Italy have exited stage right. Not only do they go home in the first rounds, they went out in such spectacular style, being roundly beaten by Slovakia (a country with population less than Scotland) and finishing below New Zealand in the group table. If ever a team's reputation exceeded their talent, then this was it. However, a tournament without Italy is still a shock. The Italians are also good value for money in their skills, their passion, and their defensive play when they're 1-0 up! They usually play with a swagger and panache and I love watching them play. This team, was anything but passionate and skillful. Their defence was woeful and the team looked old and tired. And then I struggled to think of any great stars of the Italian side. Great names of the past are easy to recall; Baggio, Maldini, Rossi, Zoff, Del Piero..... This year, I've just about heard of Cannavaro and Gattuso but sorry to say, I'm struggling with other team members. And am I right in thinking that Inter Milan won this year's Champions League despite not having one Italian in the team? 
So, this year's tournament throws up even more headlines. France and Italy out in the first rounds. The African teams have had a poor showing, leaving only Ghana as the continent's representative in the next rounds. England, Spain and Germany have struggled in the first rounds. We've seen a resurgence in the South American teams, and a few surprises from teams like Japan and USA.  That makes for a great tournament, although as an England fan, it's been traumatic. Still, it's been a heck of a lot worse for the French and Italian fans.....