This has been a bad week all around for Italian football with mass arrests of players implicated in the burgeoning Calciopoli2 scandal. Against Russia, the attack rarely threatened and in another worrying sign defensive lapses accounted for all three goals. Aleksandr Kherzakhov opened Russia’s account and Roman Shirakov followed with his brace.
Update: Cesare Prandelli has gone on record stating he would have no problem with Italy withdrawing from the 2012 Euro. Meanwhile, Italian PM Mario Monti called for taking a break from football to clean house.