Holders Italy sent home by underdog Slovakia

Slovakia's players, including Jan Durica (16), Martin Skrtel (3), and Radoslav Zabavnik (R), celebrates their victory against Italy after during their 2010 World Cup Group F soccer match at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 24, 2010. [Agencies]

Italy's Fabio Cannavaro (L) leaves the pitch with an official after losing to Slovakia in the 2010 World Cup Group F soccer match at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 24, 2010. [Photo/sports.sohu.com]

 JOHANNESBURG - Italy joined France on the sidelines of the World Cup on Thursday, the first time that both finalists from the previous tournament have been eliminated in the first round.

The four-time champion Italians lost to Slovakia 3-2 at Ellis Park, allowing the Slovaks to advance to the round of 16 from Group F along with Paraguay, which drew 0-0 with New Zealand.

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"I take full responsibility," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "If the squad went out with fear in their legs and hearts it means the coach didn't prepare the match well tactically or psychologically."

Italy came into the World Cup with mostly the same team of veterans that won the title four years ago in Germany. But this year, defender Fabio Cannavaro was far from his best and the attack failed to produce goals until the team was facing elimination.

For Slovakia, Robert Vittek scored goals in the 25th and 73rd minutes.

The second goal seemed to finally wake Italy's struggling front line and Antonio Di Natale pulled one back for the Italians in the 81st.

Substitute Kamil Kopunek restored the two-goal lead for Slovakia with a smart lob in the 89th, and Fabio Quagliarella added the final goal for Italy in injury time.

"We've shown that we're not here for a holiday," Slovakia forward Erik Jendrisek said.