Aging Italian loafers fit to be tied

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This article was published 15/06/2010 (5955 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Italy opened defence of its World Cup title with a laborious 1-1 draw against Paraguay on Monday.

Paraguay took advantage of its first shot on goal to take the lead in the 39th minute. Antolin Alcaraz outjumped 36-year-old Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi for a header following a free kick from Aureliano Torres, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had no chance for a save.

De Rossi made up for the opening goal by equalizing in the 63rd, sliding in to redirect a corner kick from Simone Pepe. It was a solid start for the AS Roma midfielder, who was suspended for four games during Italy’s victorious 2006 run after bloodying the face of United States forward Brian McBride with a sharp elbow.

"The biggest regret is the result," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "They only approached the goal once and they scored. We reacted well but you’ve got to win games likes these."

Already without injured midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Italy’s fortunes took another hit when it lost perhaps its most valuable player — Buffon — after the first half. The 32-year-old goalkeeper was removed in favour of inexperienced backup Federico Marchetti.

"He had a back problem. I hope he returns for the next game but that will be up to the doctors," Lippi said.

Lippi’s side did little to disprove critics who have labelled the squad as too old to win the title again, with nine players over 30. The Azzurri haven’t won since beating Sweden 1-0 in a friendly in November, drawing with Cameroon and Switzerland and losing 2-1 to Mexico in their World Cup warmups.

Italy centre forward Alberto Gilardino hardly touched the ball and Lippi acknowledged his team needs to attack with more efficiency.

"We need to do more and do it better. Our opponent didn’t do anything, they just kept things in check," the coach said.

Still, Italy can console itself by looking forward to its next match against one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament — New Zealand — before closing out play in Group F against an inexperienced Slovakia side.

Paraguay, which managed upset wins over Brazil and Argentina in qualifying, was considered Italy’s toughest opponent in the group.

After a day of often intense rain, the match kicked off under a drizzle, leaving the field slippery. Temperatures stood at eight degrees Celsius but the swirling winds coming off the ocean made it feel colder.

Italy started with six players from its 2006 squad in the lineup and a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gilardino spearheading the attack and Riccardo Montolivo replacing Pirlo.

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino left Roque Santa Cruz of Manchester City on the bench and started with a two-man forward line of Borussia Dortmund teammates Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios.

Italy was organized from the start, pushing up the right flank with Gianluca Zambrotta and Pepe, but the Azzurri had trouble getting the ball to Gilardino.

Paraguay was content to sit back and wait for counterattacks and didn’t venture into Italy’s half until the 20-minute mark.

— The Associated Press

Italy 0 1 — 1

Paraguay 1 0 — 1

First Half

1. Paraguay, Antolin Alcaraz 1, 39th minute.

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Second Half

2. Italy, Daniele De Rossi 1, 63rd.

Shots — Italy: 10; Paraguay: 7.

Shots On Goal — Italy: 5; Paraguay: 1.

Attendance — 62,869.