Italy grateful for De Rossi's equaliser; good games for Monto and Pepe

Is 1-1 good enough?

If 2010 is like other World Cup years in which Italy makes a dormant start to the tournament then maybe the Azzurri’s second half performance should give us hope that they will mount a good campaign.

Although their opposition are not a noted team, the Paraguayans are normally stern in holding a lean. Proof testimony to this is Paraguay's efforts in holding leads against Brazil and Argentina in the South American qualifying rounds.

Italy were their normal selves in controlling possession in the opening quarter of the game. Daniele DeRossi especially showed some good touches. Paraguay did a good job in absorbing Italy’s early dominance.

As the half progressed Paraguay developed their ascendancy in the midfield. The pressure told on Italy and they lost all their shape. This resulted in their defense making clumsy challenges.

Paraguay’s first assault on goal was a free kick, which resulted in their goal. Fabio Cannavaro’s aging legs were tested, his feet stayed on the ground allowing Antolin Alcaraz to head in Group F’s first goal.

The second half started ominously for the Italians. Buffon stayed on the panchina, being replaced by Federico Marchetti due to a reported hamstring injury. Too early to call, but hopefully the injury does not leave us without Papa Gigi as the national custodian.

Good news was to come when the Paraguayan keeper Justo Villar did a ‘Roberto Verde’ and failed at a Pepe launched corner allowing Daniele De Rossi to launch a successful strike on goal.

What I then saw, was what I liked. Italy mounted a series of attacks down the flanks and through the centre. Stringing together some potent combinations and testing Paraguay’s defense. Although Paraguay’s Fifa ranking is a lowly 31 their defense must be in the top 20. Their mettle was tested and they completed a sterling job to hold the Italians to one goal.

Marchisio was ineffective tonight. A worthy substitution it will be interesting to see if Claudio gets another starting role in this year’s Mondiale, For sure we missed Andrea Pirlo tonight. Although his performance wasn’t Totti-esque, Montolvio did manage a couple long range shots which tested Villar. With one save in particular, had Villar spelled the ball Gilardano was there waiting to pounce.

The missing ingredient for the Italians was the final through ball. They seemed to lack that critical ball to place their strikers in the clear. Gilardano lacked a bit of movement, whereas Iaquinta showed more resolve and hustle to get into the cleat with ball at toe.

DiNatale’s substitution injected some pace into Italy’s front line. Gilardano and Iaquinta have similar style games. The Italian attack enjoyed the variety that DiNatale added.

Italy needs to use their remaining group matches to sharpen their combinations. Tomorrow’s Slovakia-New Zealand match will provide us with the necessary insight into the strengths of these opponents.

Expect both teams to be more physical (and less technical) than Paraguay. Neither of Italy’s remaining group games will be easy. Italy will need to conquer different Continental styles to make it to the top of Group F. Given Holland’s 2-0 win against Denmark, playing the Dutch will be no easy prize for making the next stage.

Lippi wasn’t happy with his charges after tonight’s game. If Lippi can coach better games from this Azzurri squad then there may be some hope for our boys in blue.

In last year’s Confederates Cup Italy clamoured to a 4-3 win over the All Whites. New Zealand will offer stern aerial opposition. As much as I respect our capitano, the Kiwi tie might be a good game to rest Fabio and allow the taller Leonardo Bonucci a centre back role.