Italy crash out of SWC

Johannesburg - Reigning champions Italy crashed out of the World Cup on Thursday, losing 3-2 to Slovakia, who reached the last 16 along with Paraguay after the South Americans' 0-0 draw with Group F rivals New Zealand.

Robert Vittek was Slovakia's hero with two goals before Kamil Kopunek's clincher against a poor Italian side who finished bottom of the group and for whom Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella netted consolation strikes.

Paraguay topped the group after their stalemate with New Zealand left them on five points to four for the Slovakians, who are appearing in their first finals.