A new Champion will be crowned this year at the FIFA World Cup as Champions Italy crashed out of the World Cup as first-time qualifiers losing to Slovakia 3-2.

Slovakia has now booked a place in the second round.

Robert Vittek's brace put Slovakia in control but Antonio Di Natale halved the deficit and Fabio Quagliarella looked like he had leveled it at 2-2, but an offside decision went against him.

Substitute Kamil Kopunek made it 3-1 to Slovakia before Quagliarella's brilliant lob gave Italy fleeting hope, but they could not find a third to save their skins as they joined fellow 2006 finalists France in sinking out of the tournament at the first hurdle.

Italy team coach, Marcello Lippi has taken all the blame for the Defending Champions dismal performance.

Lippi through a translator told reporters the team was not prepared well.