2010 FIFA World Cup Preview: Italy Vs. New Zealand in Group F

With Federico Marchetti ready to step in for Gianluigi Buffon as the Italian keeper on Sunday, suddenly Italy's prospects of making it out of what many thought was the easiest group are not so certain.

Italy's draw with Paraguay, as well as losing Buffon to a hamstring injury, has suddenly opened this group wide open.

All four teams in Group F have one point as we head into the second round of group games.

Italy takes on New Zealand, and Slovakia battles Paraguay.

One must still consider Italy the favorite to win the group, but another slip-up could be costly for Marcello Lippi's side.

Marchetti is a quality keeper in his own right, and has the confidence of his team.

"I am convinced I can play a good game on Sunday," he said in a recent press conference. "The other night against Paraguay, I knew that Gigi (Buffon) had a problem, hence I was menatally ready to replace him."

Marchetti is the keeper for the Serie A team Cagliari and is quite capable.

Italy's main problem is more of an offensive nature.

Italy managed only 10 shots in the entire game versus Paraguay, and were lucky a defensive lapse allowed Daniele De Rossi to score a late goal.

New Zealand, on the other hand, felt good about the point they salvaged against Slovakia.

A goal right at the end by defender Winston Reid, who headed one in during the third minute of stoppage time, stole a point for New Zealand.

New Zealand played well and perhaps deserved the point.

Shots and possession were fairly equal, and both teams managed only two shots on net.

Looking at the match-up between Italy and New Zealand, Italy must move the ball better.

Italy passed the ball poorly against Paraguay, something uncharacteristic of an Italian squad. That will have to improve versus New Zealand.

Better passing and better control of the ball will lead to more chances for Italy.

The forwards did not play well in the first game.

Alberto Gilardino did not have enough touches, although he managed a couple of shots.

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who plays well off of De Rossi, was sorely missed in the first game, and is unlikely to be ready for this game either.

Italy is still hoping he can go at some point in this tournament, perhaps as soon as game three against Slovakia.

Italy will come out and try to attack right from the start.

The ability to score quickly and then control play is no doubt what they are after.

New Zealand coach, Ricki Herbert, is upbeat heading into the game with Italy, although he respects his opponent.

"We have a chance like everyone else," he said at his press conference following the draw with Slovakia. "But we still have two heavyweights (Italy and Paraguay) to go and it will be tough."

New Zealand will no doubt attempt to implement a similar strategy versus Italy as they did against Slovakia.

Ball control is important, but may be more difficult than they can imagine.

Defensively they are strong, but they are not overpowering, and may wear down to what is likely to be constant pressure from Italy.