hmm I dunno, i looked like Itachi was testing Sasuke. He got rid of the cured seal and orocimaru, even Zetsu was saying he was taking hits he should have dodged. I dont think it was because he was handicapped, I think it had everything to do with Itachi not wanting to kill Sasuke. But he knew that Sasuke needed to get stronger and that his hatred for him was the best way, so he played on that till the very end. And I'm not sure what Itachi told Sauske, but I'm sure that it was something that will make Sasuke forgive him. Look at the opening sequence, you Sauske standing there crying, who else in his life right now would he cry over other than itachi?