South Africa - page 607

Winner: Draw
Score: Italy(1) vs Paraguay(0)
39′ Antolín Alcaraz (Paraguay)
63′ Daniele De Rossi (Italy)

Recap

Marcello Lippi came back from retirement to coach Italy where he has kept 9 veterans in the team to the dismay of a lot of people.

The game in Italy was crucial in determining if Italy can defend their title but the game clearly showed how many steps Cannavaro has decline given his age of 36. Buffon allowed a header goal which is you did not often see in the early stages of 2006.

Paraguay came with guns blazing and they did not disappoint as they had better rhythm and fluidity throughout the game both in offense and defense. Antolin Alcaraz scored a header goal on the 39th minute.

Italy had a number of chances and good looks to score a goal but could not deliver most of the time until De Rossi got one very late in the game.

The best Italy could do was draw a game against a lesser competitor and if Italy doesn’t regroup they would not be able to defend their title.

Key Takeaway

Italy is favored to win his match or even the World Cup as they are the defending champions. Marcello Lippi came back from retirement to lead Italy where he was criticized for his decision of keeping 9 veterans in the team including Buffon and Cannavaro. Italy didn’t have a convincing win and they have a lot to catch up in offense and defense.

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