What: Italy – Paraguay,Group F
When: 23:50(IST), 14 June
Where: Cape Town
Overwiew: All eyes will be on the reigning champions who have come under lot of criticism lately after a lacklustre qualifying campaign and then friendly loss to mexico in the warm up games. .The 62-year-old Lippi has come under heavy criticism for leaving out Italy’s more creative and inventive players like Antonio Cassano and Fabrizio Miccoli for apparently non-footballing reasons and for sustaining faith in players who have more often than not failed to shine in an Italy shirt.The first test will be provided by a tricky Paraguay side who defeated the likes of Brazil and Argentina in qualifiers.Italy
Trending
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito; De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio; Iaquinta, Gilardino, Di Natale
Italian Squad
Strengths
As we know Old is Gold, this certainly is the USP of an ageing Italian squad which has retained 9 of its players from Germany. The likes of Buffon, Cannavaro, Gattuso and Gilardino form the backbone of the Italian lineup, which is famous for it’s counter attacking style of football. The defence has always been a strong point for Italy and the combination of Chiellini and Cannavaro proves that. Also the likes Of Camorenesi, De Rossi and Montolivo will provide great support to the defensive line up.
Weakness
The Italian offensive line is dearly missing the likes of Totti , Del piero and Inzaghi. Apart from Di Natale who is coming from a great season in Seria A, there are not much hope from this Italian forward line. Gilardino and Iaquinta have been on the international arena for sometime but haven’t really made a name for themselves. Maybe the omission of Rossi wasn’t the best idea in a team which lacks pace and might be outrun by a physically stronger side.
Injuries
Pirlo though confirmed to be available for the World Cup, is a sure miss for todays encounter and is expected to be fit for Italy’s last group game. De Rossi is expected to shrug off a minor calf injury and start for the Azzuris.
Player to watch out:
Daniel De Rossi
Daniel De Rossi – lone man standing?
The Roma man holds the key in the absence of Pirlo to create the game for Italy. He will be required to bind this Italian side together and provide the forward line with something to work on.
Paraguay
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Villar, Bonet, Veron, Da Silva, Morel; Vera, Santana, Riveros, A. Torres; Santa Cruz, Barrios
Strengths
Paraguay are been deemed as the dark horses for this World cup and with an uninspiring Italy and minnows New Zealand and Slovakia they are favourites to grab a top 2 spot besides Italy.Paraguay do have a strong attacking department with the likes of Santa Cruz and Barrios and they could well create some damage against the world champions.Paraguay will certainly be looking to give them an early examination, with the South Americans heading into the tournament in buoyant mood.
Weakness
The South Americans are not so formidable at the back and this is where they would have to take care in the World Cup.
Injuries
Paraguay have had to contend with an injury scare ahead of the tournament, with Oscar Cardozo picking up an ankle knock which threatened to end his World Cup dream. Doubts still remain over his availability.
Player to watch out:
Strike force
The Manchester City forward is in some fearsome form and could well win the match for the South Americans.
Prediction:
Italy 2 – 1 Paraguay
