Lippi takes the blame as Italy are knocked out

Lippi, who had always planned to stand down at the end of the tournament, was shocked his side had fallen at the group stage after a 3-2 defeat to Slovakia which meant the eastern European side reached the last 16 in their World Cup finals debut.

But rather than blame a questionable, but probably correct, offside decision which denied his side an equaliser, he blamed only himself for the champions' exit.

Tempers flared during a dramatic second half and Rotherham referee Howard Webb needed to show a strong head as he kept control.

Lippi, who is set to be succeeded by Cesare Prandelli, said: "I take all responsibility for what happened, because if a team shows up at such an important game with terror in their head, heart and legs and if the team is unable to express its abilities it means the coach didn't train that team as he should have done, psychologically, technically or tactically.

"I would have expected anything except to see a performance like we gave in the first half of the game, not to mention the second half.

"I am sorry to see it end in such a fashion because I didn't expect this. I take on all responsibilities for the choices I made and the way I introduced the team to you. I wish the best to my successor, best of luck to him and thank you all for these four years, part of which were fantastic and part of which were not."

Lippi insisted he did not regret the decision to return to the Italy job, having led the side to the world title in 2006.

"I came back with enthusiasm, I never regretted coming back to the national team," he said. "I firmly believed we would perform better than we did and I am deeply sorry."

Slovakia led 2-0 with goals from Robert Vittek before Italy hit back through Antonio Di Natale and then had Fabio Quagliarella's effort ruled out for offside.

Substitute Kamil Kopunek then made it 3-1 and although Quagliarella pulled one back with a brilliant chip, the Azzurri were dumped out of the Cup.

World Cup: Page 24.