FIFA World Cup Preview: Italy vs Paraguay

June 14, 2010 7:30:00 PM ISTCape Town Stadium, Cape TownReferee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)

Defending world champions Italy, begin their defence of the title against dark horses Paraguay in Cape Town. Much like in 2006, Italy are not expected to go far in the tournament. However, in a group consisting of Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia, the champions will be confident of progressing into the next round. Paraguay too, are a strong South American side as was seen in qualifying and will look to clinch the runner’s up spot.

FORM GUIDE

Gianluca Zambrotta

Italy

June 5: Switzerland 1-1 Italy

June 3: Italy 1-2 Mexico

March 3: Italy 0-0 Cameroon

November 18: Italy 1-0 Sweden

November 14: Italy 0-0 Netherlands

Paraguay

June 2: Greece 0-2 Paraguay

May 30: Paraguay 2-2 Ivory Coast

May 25: Republic of Ireland 2-1 Paraguay

May 15: Paraguay 1-0 North Korea

March 31: Paraguay 1-1 South Africa

Italy

Probable Line-Up {4-3-3}: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito; De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio; Iaquinta, Gilardino, Di Natale

Four time World Cup holders, Italy arrive in mixed form for the finals. A drab 1-1 draw with Switzerland was preceded by a 1-2 loss to Mexico in which the Italians were dreadful. Coach Marcello Lippi’s strange selection policies only further handicap the Azzuri in their bid to defend the title. One look at their attacking department will show you how lacking they are in creativity. Andrea Pirlo is out injured as well, with defending midfielder Daniele De Rossi being drafted in which only further hampers the Azzuri attack. This team does little to reduce the view of the typical Italian stereotype of defending 1-0 leads as that is exactly what they are likely to do.

Paraguay

Lucas Barrios

Probable Line-Up {4-4-2}: Villar, Bonet, Veron, Da Silva, Morel; Vera, Santana, Riveros, A. Torres; Santa Cruz, Barrios

Paraguay are a surprise package at this year’s world cup. They had a strong qualifying campaign and managed to finish third ahead of Argentina and Uruguay. The South American outfit looked good in their recent two outings by defeating Greece and holding Ivory Coast to a draw. They have a strong and fast attacking department and would probably love to have a go at the old and sluggish Fabio Cannavaro. In Lucas Barrios they have an in-form striker looking to make a name for himself. Being placed in a relatively easy group, Paraguay are expected to qualify to the next round.

Prediction: Italy will have to be on their toes in their first match in the finals. Paraguay will no doubt make it a tough game and have a real go at the World Cup holders. This could well be the first stumble by the Azzuri in their conquest to retain the title.

Predicted Scoreline: Italy 1-1 Paraguay