2010 Italy Away – Andrea Pirlo #21 Large

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was a disappointing and transitional tournament for Italy national football team, as the reigning world champions exited earlier than anyone expected. Managed by Marcello Lippi, who had led Italy to glory in 2006, the Azzurri arrived attempting to defend their title with much of the same core — but the magic of Berlin never truly returned.

Drawn into Group F with Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia, Italy struggled from the outset. They opened with a 1–1 draw against Paraguay, followed by another 1–1 draw with New Zealand, a result that stunned the football world. Needing a win in their final group match, Italy instead fell 3–2 to Slovakia, conceding twice late on despite a desperate comeback attempt. The defeat sent Italy out at the group stage, finishing bottom of the group — one of the most shocking eliminations by a defending champion in World Cup history.

The campaign was marked by aging personnel, injuries, and tactical stagnation, highlighting the need for generational renewal. It ultimately brought an end to Lippi’s second tenure and closed the chapter on Italy’s 2006 golden core.

The 2010 Italy away kit, produced by Puma, was elegant and distinctive. It featured a clean white base with a diagonal azzurro (blue) sash across the chest — a rare design choice in Italian history — accented by subtle gold detailing honoring the four World Cup stars. The kit has since become a memorable vintage football shirt, closely associated with Pirlo’s calm presence amid collective struggle.

2. Player’s Impact – Andrea Pirlo

For Andrea Pirlo, the 2010 World Cup was defined by frustration rather than brilliance. At 31 years old, Pirlo was Italy’s undisputed midfield regista and creative heartbeat, but injury severely limited his influence on the tournament.

Pirlo missed Italy’s first two group matches due to a calf injury, depriving the team of its only true tempo-setter during crucial early moments. He returned for the decisive match against Slovakia, immediately transforming Italy’s midfield with his vision, composure, and range of passing. Coming off the bench, Pirlo delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Antonio Di Natale and dictated play as Italy chased the game with renewed urgency.

Despite the late surge, Italy could not overturn the deficit, and Pirlo’s impact came too late to save the campaign. His brief appearance underscored exactly what Italy had lacked throughout the group stage: control, creativity, and calm under pressure.

While the tournament ended in failure, Pirlo’s performance against Slovakia reinforced his enduring class. The disappointment of 2010 would later act as a catalyst in his career, preceding his renaissance years at Juventus and his central role in Italy’s Euro 2012 resurgence. In many ways, this World Cup marked the end of one era and the quiet beginning of another for Pirlo.

3. Full Squad List (Italy – 2010 World Cup, South Africa)

Manager: Marcello Lippi

Goalkeepers:
Gianluigi Buffon (captain), Federico Marchetti, Morgan De Sanctis

Defenders:
Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Nesta, Gianluca Zambrotta, Cristian Zaccardo, Leonardo Bonucci, Salvatore Bocchetti

Midfielders:
Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso, Simone Pepe, Claudio Marchisio, Angelo Palombo, Mauro Camoranesi

Forwards:
Vincenzo Iaquinta, Antonio Di Natale, Alberto Gilardino, Fabio Quagliarella