Italy look to make Maldini pay for their regrets

Italy look set to end the contract of coach Cesare Maldini after what they consider to be a poor showing at the World Cup.

Although the Italians had to endure another loss in a penalty shootout their negative tactics seemed out of date and an anachronism at times. Even with the emphasis on defence, France were able to make the beter chances as they sat back in the quarter final and the Italians had to recover from a deficit against Chile in their first game. Only the form of Christian Vieri in attack allowed Italy to believe they had a convincing case for a place in the Final.

They cruised past a naive Cameroon side and were able to put a dour Austrian side in their place but there will be changes soon for Italy. One of the puzzles for them must be the continued poor form of Alessandro Del Piero for the national side and he never looked the threat that may believed he was to defences in the World Cup. Italy's best play came in the first half against Norway when their control of the game and quick counter attack to take the lead was the side at its best against difficult opposition.

They face the challenge of qualifying for the European Championships from September 5th and any new coach does not have long in charge before his first big test.