Poll: Italians Head Home From World Cup South Africa Who Is To Blame?
Italian fans are still licking wounds the day after their beloved Azzurri finished last in World Cup Group F, officially knocked out of the remainder of the tournament.
Denied the chance to defend their title on July 11 means another four long years for a piece of golden-ware.
Sad too is the reality FIGC (The Italian Football Federation), should have been looking to the future when choosing a managerial replacement for Roberto Donadoni.
With coach Marcello Lippi FIGC looked to the past but to his credit Lippi has insisted all the blame for the shock early exit should be laid at his feet. His team captain doesn’t see it that way, and has spoken out on what he claims is a larger problem than the failings of his Azzurri manager.
Words from outgoing captain Fabio Cannavaro are a warning. Cannavaro insists changes are needed in Italian football or the team could face a lengthy wait before regaining the FIFA World Cup.
Lippi was not able to match the success of Vittorio Pozzo, the first and only Azzurri manager to win back-to-back World Cup titles. Pozzo was team overseer during the famous unbeaten run of the Italian side from December 1934 until 1939.