This situation is now tailor made for Italy. Only need a draw to progress and will outwit Uruguay on the counter despite not having any possession in the opposition's half

As Italian fans keep reminding me when Australia lose, yeah whatever but you still lost who cares who is in your team or how you play, it is the result that matters.

Not doubting his ability at all and is a terrific player but the heat appears to be affecting him towards the end of the game.

The talent cupboard appears a little bear as the subs offered absolutely nothing. Super Mario had very poor first touch when the opportunities presented themselves today and that was the difference. Even the ref tried to help them so cannot use that excuse either.

Not sure if they will make the second round but they do not look like the Italian of old and having Italian background myself I have followed them for a long time. Having said that when you write them off they usually surprise you.

Not to mention that near 40 year old midfielder would be starting at any club or nation in the world.

Opposed to England full of EPL stars are already out.

Italy got the short straw in tropical climate games, they were lucky in their first match they were up against the equally stupid English who incredibly went to Rio after Miami. However they knew about the situation , and I think their base is in Rio as well. Some younger athletic players and proper acllimitisation with a month in a tropical climate and they would be running rings around the rest of the group.

Relying on a near 40 midfielder, EPL reject as forward and bunch of no names outside of Italy was never a good mix

fark what an upset, good on em fully deserved

Costa Rica were fantastic - fast, attacking, positive football. And the way they swarmed and closed down the Italians in midfield was sensational and amazingly sustained all the way until the final whistle.

Originally I was tipping a Germany or Italy WC win. Now I'm reconsidering - Italy are not terrible and Balotelli had a couple of chances he should've buried, but there are certainly some surprises this WC.

Well done Costa Rica, made the Italians look like chumps

The substitutes for Italy were woeful no impact what so ever, soft offsides was the killer. But Costa Rica 2nd half brilliant they fought hard.

:-k

Costa Rica have played brilliantly, completely and utterly dominated this game. =d> =d>

Wouldn't it be brilliant if Italy don't make it past the group stages for the second consecutive World Cup. :lol:

RIP punters

This is what happens when England supports your team.

Typical Italy vs unrated team.

This could be a fantastic upset, a Costa Rica win has them through, and England out, with one of Italy and Uruguay to scrap it out againt each other. They're dropping like flies!

Got justice atleast.

Costa Rica robbed before that, as clear a pen as you will ever see.

lol

Hopefully a good game.

Costa Rica to pop a couple of sneakys for the win.

Italy know that a win will all but secure their passage to the next round. Goal difference may play a part and will be going out to win this one convincingly methinks.

Didn't get to see the likes of Cassano and Insigne (and only a cameo by Immobile), so I wouldn't be surprised to see them get some game time in this match.

Costa Rica looked good, because Uruguay made them look good.

yes f1wc that has been our case for years - hoping its not but I'm calling 2 - 1 again for us.

In typical Italian style, they can get up for a game against another big name country, but play relative minnow like Costa Rica and they'll stumble and bumble their way to a 1-0 win.

Italy to win 3 nil..

20 June 2014
13:00


Match 24

Italy v Costa Rica




Arena Pernambuco, Recife