Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says the ref wrecked their clash with Uruguay.
The 1-0 defeat to Uruguay proved decisive for the Azzurri, who played the final half-hour with 10 men after Claudio Marchisio was harshly sent off.
"It didn't seem like a red card offence. There were some tough tackles, but not worthy of a red card. It was a very balanced game, Uruguay never really had a shot on goal despite needing to win," Prandelli told Sky Sport Italia.
"It was a good match tactically and in my view the referee ruined it. He cannot give a red card in that situation, he just can't.
"We got the game with Costa Rica wrong and fought hard with Uruguay against two of the best strikers in the world, though they never caused us problems.
"It's a great shame that we go out in these circumstances."
