Italy Vs Paraguay World Cup 2010 Preview

Berita Lampung Italy Vs Paraguay World Cup 2010 Preview ; The Azzurri took the title four years ago in Germany and will not relinquish their grip on the trophy without a struggle.The first of the hurdles for them to negotiate comes in the form of Paraguay, who will present a tricky opening test.

Italy's preparations have done little to inspire confidence, with an ageing squad looking worryingly off the pace at times. Their back four, which is marshalled by 36-year-old skipper Fabio Cannavaro, can struggle to handle pace, which could prove to be their undoing in South Africa.

Paraguay will certainly be looking to give them an early examination, with the South Americans heading into the tournament in buoyant mood. Victories over Brazil and Argentina in qualifying underlined their quality and they should not be underestimated this summer.

Pre-tournament results have gone well on the whole, while they are able to boast an attacking arsenal which will be the envy of many of their rivals. They will be looking to make a bright start in their first game, with it widely expected that Italy and Paraguay will be the two nations battling it at the top of Group F.

Team news

Italy's preparations have been hampered by an untimely injury to Andrea Pirlo, which initially cast his participation into doubt.The AC Milan midfielder has since been given the all clear to push on with his rehabilitation, but he is still likely to sit out the Azzurri's first two games.

On a more positive note for Marcello Lippi's men, Daniele de Rossi is expected to shake off a minor calf problem in time to make Monday's contest and Mauro Camoranesi is back to full fitness following a knee problem.Paraguay have had to contend with an injury scare of their own ahead of the tournament, with Oscar Cardozo picking up an ankle knock which threatened to end his World Cup dream.

The hot-shot striker is, however, raring to go and will be looking to transfer his prolific club form at Benfica onto the international stage.Should he be deemed fit for duty, he is likely to line up alongside Manchester City frontman Roque Santa Cruz in a fearsome forward line.