Vittek 25, 73        Di Natale 81

                                                                                        Kopunek 89        Quagliarella 90 + 2

Slovakia sensationally knocked-out World Cup holders Italy when a fascinating match exploded in a breathtaking final quarter of an hour.

A score-draw would have seen Italy qualify. But they were chasing the game after Daniele De Rossi gifted possession to Juraj Kucka, who sent Robert Vittek clear to slot the ball home.

Fabio Quagliarella’s right-foot drive was cleared off the line by Martin Skrtel before Vittek double his side’s advantage - reacting first to Marek Hamsik’s near-post cross and sweeping the ball home.

Italy’s Antonio Di Natale pulled one back for the suddenly awakened Azzurri. And Quagliarella netted moments later only to be flagged offside.

Woefully unmarked substitute Kamil Kopunek made it 3-1 with his very first touch before Quagliarella made it 3-2 with a sublime 25-yard chip.

And there was still time for Simone Pepe to fire wide from close-range as Slovakia hung on for their greatest victory yet.