Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)
LINEUPS:
Italy (451): Marchetti, Zambrotta, Criscito, Cannavarro, Chiallini (Gattuso 66'), De Rossi, Montelivo, Marchisio, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Pepe (Di Natale 66')
Paraguay (442): Villar, Bonet, Morel, da Silva, Alcarez, Caceres, Valdez, Vera (Ortigoza 73'), Barrios (Cardozo 60'), Santa Cruz (Gamarra 82'), Riveros
The Italian midfield bossed this match without generating many chances as Paraguay stood resolute in defense, led as they were by Claudio Morel. Claduio Marchisio was dominant throughout the ninety minutes, displaying good control and strong tackling, and it was himself along with Montelivo that dictated much of the play.
Marchisio had a great chance to score himself in the 13th minute when Gianluca Zambrotta, who himself had just sent a shot into the side netting, crossed for the midfield maestro six yards out only to see his header stopped on the goal line. After this Paraguay found their rhythm at the back and looked to smother the game, breaking for a chance if they could. And their best chance of the match came late in the opening half when Vera and Riveros played some nice football out on the wing before a pullback to Paulo da Silva, who had remained forward after a failed set piece, and his shot deflected kindly for Marchetti to save.
Italy came out firing on all cylinders in the second half with Gilardino shooting at the keeper, and Di Natale squeezing his shot through a crowd only to be saved. These two attacking players would have more chances in the latter stages of the match when, after a fine team move, Iaquinta played in Gilardino one-on-one only to see him fluff his lines and Di Natale scoop the rebound high over the bar.
Italy 0 - 0 Paraguay
Goalscorers:
None
Discipline:
ITA De Rossi 31'
PAR Vera 55'
Man of the Match:
ITA Claudio Marchisio
| GROUP F | ||||||||
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Italy | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Paragauy | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Slovakia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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