Player ratings from Channel4:
Buffon – 6.5
Putting his mistimed punch that led to the opening goal to one side, Buffon did all within his power to keep out the Dutch. Given that he was basically defenceless, he kept the score respectable. Well, almost respectable.
Panucci – 5
Looked tired and sluggish right from the off and his night got worse as the Dutch masters whizzed past him. He must have been relieved when he was moved into the centre. He may be feeling his age.
Barzagli – 4.5
Italy’s lost little boy in Berne. Without Fabio Cannavaro alongside him to hold his hand, the World Cup stopper was swept away by the Orange current which bombarded the rearguard. We’re still not sure how good he is…
Materazzi – 4.5
His heroics at the 2006 World Cup are just a distant memory. Slow and positioned poorly throughout, he may not get another chance to shine – or delude – at Euro 2008.
Grosso – 6.5
Thrown on in the second half, he injected some much needed pace and urgency to the Azzurri side. He should have done enough to net himself a first team jersey against Romania.
Zambrotta – 6
The desire and work rate was there, the touch and quality wasn’t. Italy will need his marauding runs if they are to have any chance of progressing to the knock-out stages.
Ambrosini – 5
Handed a starting shirt at the expense of Daniele De Rossi – which, even after a night’s sleep, is still mystifying – he got through a fair number of tackles, but did little more. The bench should loom.
Pirlo – 6
Without De Rossi alongside him, he was burdened with all of the playmaking responsibilities. He lit up the play with a few visionary passes and the tournament’s best free-kick so far, but it was too little from the Milanista.
Gattuso – 5
His gladiatorial spirit wasn’t enough to inspire his teammates last night. Loose in the tackle, we basically saw the Ringhio of Milan 2007-08 rather than the Campione del Mondo. Will Donadoni keep the faith?
Di Natale – 5
A star in qualification, Di Natale may have blown his chance on the big stage which he so desperately craved. The Dutch proved to be strong at the back, but Toto didn’t ask enough questions. Understandably replaced.
Del Piero – 6.5
Undoubtedly one of Italy’s best players on the night, what a shame he was thrown on so late in the game. Confident, fresh and fit, Del Piero threatened former teammate Edwin Van Der Sar on more than one occasion.
Camoranesi – 5
In the side to dribble past opponents and whip in crosses for Luca Toni, the Juventus winger did neither. Inconsistency has frustratingly always been his – and Italy’s – Achilles heel.
Cassano – 6
It was a bit much to ask him to be the saviour with 15 minutes left, but Cassano instantly underlined his ability with a divine assist for Toni. His talent is wasted on the bench.
Toni – 5.5
Perhaps Italy’s biggest concern. Was his inadequate display down to his own form or due to the fact that the team just didn’t play for him? Truth is that he had one real chance and wasted it.
Donadoni – 4
Questions were asked before the game about the omission of Daniele De Rossi and with good reason. A side with little balance, the Don acted too slowly in making changes which the Azzurri needed.
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