Italian reaction to Paraguay: Italian sports papers translated

Italy 1 Paraguay 1

What was the Italian reaction to la prima partita?

A lot of appreciation shown to Danielle De Rossi, after the Azzurri's first game.

CORRIERE DELLO SPORT

De Rossi saves Italy; only a draw against Paraguay

The disappointment of Lippi's Azzurri as they manage only a shabby draw in their first game of the World Cup tournament. It finishes 1-1 against Paraguay, only De Rossi's goal saves the Italian boat after having gone behind, and nearly being sunk by the impressive South American team.

Under battering rain and in the biting cold of Capetown, the Italians worked hard to find an attacking solution. Thanks to inventive play from their Roman midfielder, the world champions characteristically returned to bring home a point, that makes qualifying possible with two games to play in Group F.

TUTTOSPORT

It was not the result Lippi hoped for, but it could have been worse. Italy were confused and at times distracted. Behind a goal and without Buffon (out with a muscle problem), the Azzurri find an equaliser through De Rossi. In the final 30 minutes they come close to finding a winner on a couple of occasions. However if they want to go on, against New Zealand and Italy they will need a different Italy.

Pepe played well on the right wing, who on more than one occasion embarrassed the Paraguayan defence and still he often ran back to help Zambrotta. Less flashy was Iaquinta on the left, who needed some company. As for Gilardano, few clear balls went his way. Marchisio struggled to find his position on the pitch.

It finished a draw, but for Italy there's plenty of work to do.

LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT

Italy, more light than shade: De Rossi the symbol of Italy

The Roman midfielder, loses Alacarz to allow Paraguay the advantage, he recovers, shoots and scores the equaliser. Good signs from Montolivo and Pepe. Marchisio does not convince playing behind the front two but could maybe be used elsewhere.

Above all else the misfortune of losing Buffon. Italian physio claim sciatic nerve. Buffon says he will be back in a couple of days. Lets hope so. Without Buffon we lose a lot.

Then we need to emphasise our unhappiness with the attack. Gilardano got fenced in and Iaquinta playing wide didn't come alight. It's a squad that at this point of the Championship does not have an inform striker, someone that sets the mark.

We'll watch Lippi to see what he thinks for the New Zealand game, maybe a change for Pazzini and Di Natale (who played in the final period).

Marchisio playing behind the front-two continued to be unconvincing. It worries us that he is playing in a position that he's never played for Juventus. But the Juventus player may still prove his worth playing in another midfield position.