Italy 1-1 Paraguay
Marcello Lippi's Italy could only manage a 1-1 draw with Paraguay
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Monday, 14, Jun 2010 09:29
By Darren Estwick.
Reigning world champions Italy began the defence of their title with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Monday evening's group F match at the World Cup in South Africa.
The South Americans took the lead surprisingly from a free kick, finished by Antolin Alcarez before Italy's Daniele de Rossi levelled from close range from a keeper error.
With not much happening for the first half hour Paraguay eventually broke the deadlock with a goal from a free kick. The set piece was floated into the area before finding the head of Antolin Alcarez. The defender out jumped his marker and directed his header into the corner of Buffon's net.
Italy struggled to make an impression on the game lacking a cutting edge as an organised Paraguayan defence kept them at bay. It was the un-fancied South Americans who almost doubled their lead with a counter-attack resulting in Enrique Vera smashing a shot off the crossbar.
Italy improved on the second half without actually threatening their opponent's goal before capitalising on a set piece. A corner delivered into the Paraguay box was missed by the keeper and bundled home by De Rossi at the far post.
The Italians looked the more likely after the goal. Giorgio Chiellini unleashed a drive which was saved well by Justo Wilmar Villar Viveros before Antonio Di Natale went close with minutes remaining.
The game meandered on after this point as both teams settled for a share of the points.