| Italy's World Cup campaign has taken a decisive turn for the worse with a shock defeat to France '98 Semi-Finalists Croatia. The Azzurri - who had two goals controversially ruled out - must now beat Mexico in the final game to qualify for the second round.
Italy were expected to change their tactics back to the 4-3-1-2 formation, but an ingrown toenail to Gigi Di Biagio and the fact Filippo Inzaghi is not 100% fit prompted Giovanni Trapattoni to stick with the more solid 4-4-2.
The only change saw Cristiano Zanetti replace his Inter teammate Di Biagio in central midfield. Captain Paolo Maldini was a doubt ahead of this game after twisting his ankle during yesterday's training session, but the veteran was fit to start.
Croatia had to win this game after a 1-0 defeat in their opener against Mexico and introduced ex-Perugia hitman Milan Rapaic and Lecce striker Davor Vugrinec from the start.
The Croats were far more aggressive than in their match with Mexico and prevented the ball getting to Christian Vieri with any regularity. Vugrinec also tested Gianluigi Buffon's reflexes with a powerful but central effort.
Alessandro Nesta was limping since bruising his foot in the opening minutes and was forced to limp off, giving Marco Materazzi his first World Cup appearance.
Cristiano Doni had the first real chance of the game when he ran onto Zanetti's through ball, but the goalkeeper did well to block with his feet.
However, overall Croatia began to take control as Vugrinec had his close-range effort parried by Buffon and the loose ball cleared off the line by Materazzi. Rapaic also brought a save out of the Juventus 'keeper with an angled drive.
There was controversy just before the break when Gianluca Zambrotta was tripped on the edge of the box with an open goal in front of him, but the referee waved play on.
It was a very disappointing first half performance from the Azzurri but picked up considerably after the break. There was a curious moment when Vieri stepped onto the field wearing his best friend Inzaghi's shirt, but the staff soon realised the error.
The Azzurri finally hit the back of the net at the dawn of the second period when Vieri dived onto a Zambrotta assist, but the linesman ruled out for a non-existent offside position. To add insult to injury, Vieri was also booked for his protests.
Moments later the Inter star got his chance to celebrate with another powerful header, this time rising to meet Doni's well-placed cross. It was his third goal of the tournament in just two games.
Vieri could have snatched a second when Totti floated an inch-perfect ball onto his feet, but the striker was too tired to get any accuracy on his finish.
Moments later the Croats netted their equaliser when Robert Jarni's centre found Ivica Olic unmarked to tap in from close range. Three Italian defenders surrounded the substitute, but they failed to keep a close eye on his intelligent run.
Soon after Croatia could have had another, but Rapaic failed to turn in. The goal boosted the former Yugoslavian state and they began to pour forward down the flanks. The pressure paid off as within the space of three minutes they scored a second. Rapaic's lob took a deflection off Materazzi and floated over Buffon's head.
Inzaghi was at last thrown on with the 4-3-1-2 formation, while Croatia introduced Inter defender Dario Simic to shut up shop.
Totti had an excellent opportunity to grab an equaliser three minutes from time, but his curling free kick came off the near post and crossed the entire length of the goal before rolling out again.
Zambrotta brought a desperate save out of Pletikosa with a fine volley while Christian Panucci nodded over.
Inzaghi thought he had scored the equaliser deep into stoppage time, but the linesman again ruled out claiming that the striker had tugged the shirt of his marker.
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