THE WORLD CUP : Argentina Eliminates Italy, 5-4 : World Cup: Shootout decides thrilling match after teams remain deadlocked 1-1 in overtime period.

Italy’s soccer team was eliminated from World Cup competition by Argentina, 5-4 today in a thrilling overtime match that was decided in a shootout. It was the first time that Italy had been scored on in World Cup competition this year.

The teams battled to a 1-1 tie in regulation time. The score remained tied after a 30-minute overtime period.

Argentina, the defending world champions, then outscored Italy in a dramatic shootout to move into the final round of competition.

The loss was a bitter defeat for the Italians, playing before their home fans.

On Monday, Italian Coach Azeglio Vicini was asked whether the players felt they were under too much pressure to win the title.

About 2,000 Neapolitans crowded the entrance to the stadium as the Italian team left after training Monday.

“They don’t really feel this pressure,” Vicini said. “When they stay at their hotel, they don’t have much contact with the media or the fans.

“When they train, of course, they see the supporters there encouraging them--but it is done within precise limits. They appreciate there is a lot of attention focused on them, but they welcome the enthusiasm.”

In advance of today’s game, much of the attention was focused on Maradona, the star for Napoli in the Italian first division, who today played for Argentina.

“I’m too fanatic about Maradona to betray him,” said Carmelo Berro, a 47-year-old Neapolitan fruit vendor who said he would be at the stadium only to cheer for Maradona.

Since arriving in Naples in 1984, Maradona has been a decisive factor in two Italian championships, two second-place finishes and one European title.

“We will give Maradona the reception he deserves, with applause and flags in his honor,” Antonio Finelli, a Napoli supporter, said. “But the rooting will be reserved only for Italy.”

While Italy and Argentina played in Naples for a spot in the World Cup final, officials in Turin were getting ready for an influx of English and German fans who carry a nasty reputation.

And an ugly recent history.

English fans have been involved in confrontations with locals and police on the island of Sardinia and the seaside resort of Rimini in the last month. German supporters clashed with police and Yugoslav fans in Milan.