Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala)
LINEUPS:
Italy (451): Marchetti, Zambrotta, Criscito, Cannavaro, Chiellini (Pirlo 45'), De Rossi (Gatusso 61'), Montolivo, Marchisio, Gilardino (Pazzini 84'), Iaquinta, Pepe
New Zealand (343): Paston, Reid, Smith, Nelson, Lochhead, Bertos, Elliot (Barron 90'), Vicelich (Clapham 74'), Fallon, Smeltz, Killen (Brockie 43')
New Zealand sit atop Group F after another impressive performance earned them a draw against Italy. The Italians started the more dangerous with Gilardino sending his 13th minute header goalbound but for a backtracking defender clearing the ball off the line. A long period of stalemate followed, eventually broken up by Smeltz getting onto the end of a Fallon ball, forcing a good save out of Marchetti. Chris Killen was a first half substitute for New Zealand but an update later in the day reported that his injury was not severe and he would return for the final group game. Chiellini was also taken off at the interval for precautionary reason.
After halftime it was the All Whites that dictated the early play as they split open the Italian defense; Marchetti again on his toes stopping Fallon. As time ran down Italy had more of the possession which led to chances for Iaquinta (head over) and Marchisio (saved), but they nearly stole all three points in an audacious chip from Pepe who very nearly caught Paston off guard.
Italy 0 - 0 New Zealand
Goalscorers:
None
Discipline:
NZL Smeltz 51'
Man of the Match:
NZL Ryan Nelson
| GROUP F | ||||||||
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| Slovakia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| Italy | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Paragauy | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
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