Italy arrived in Rome on Saturday and unlike four years ago, after a triumphant World Cup in Germany, there were few fans waiting for them. The Azzurri endured a shocking early exit from the tournament this week in South Africa, finishing bottom of Group F. After their famous win over France in 2006, thousands of fans greeted the Italians in the Eternal City, bu...

Reigning world champions Italy will want to kick-start the defence of their crown when they face New Zealand on Sunday. The Azzurri put in a disjointed performance against Paraguay in their opening contest, having to come from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw. Few sides shone in their first fixture and it would be foolish to write the Italians off so soon, but they w...

Udinese's Gokhan Inler put Switzerland ahead in the 10th minute, but Fabio Quagliarella - a late addition to Marcello Lippi's squad - levelled only four minutes later and that proved to be the last of the scoring. However, Switzerland will be buoyed as they managed to outplay the defending champions for most of the match, putting to rest the shock of their defeat t...