It depends. I mean the Italians won 4 WC and 1 EC as well as numerous CL titles with the mentality they are used to. It's just there is a difference on the type of coach implementing it.
In WC 2006 when confronting Germany, even though we played defensive, we still knew how to attack. Lippi was a genius at this and he was a genius at it with Juventus. On the other hand, Donadoni seemed to play scared (ala Arrigo Sacchi) and told his midfields not to move up too much. How can you play that style with guys like Aquilani and De Rossi in the midfield who have played lights out for Roma this year? We weren't the weaker team, but we played like we were. I think if Lippi comes back we will have a better showing in 2010.
Del Piero is useless. He has and always will be unless he's wearing the black and white. Luca Toni ripped through the Bundesliga this year. No reason he shouldn't be able to score goals... but maybe having support from Ribery and Klose were the big difference?
Pirlo is getting old. De Rossi/Aquilani are more than capable of moving up that midfield. Cassano is still one of the most talented in Italy. Although a young crop of players will be moving up soon like Giovinco and that will help for 2010, but it has to start with the coach.
All in all, at least we knocked out the french
I don't know about rules whether they have to stop the play or not.