It's a tall order for Azzurri against NZ
Source: Agencies |
June 20, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ITALY'S confidence is so brittle that the World Cup holder is talking about the threat posed by New Zealand in today's Group F clash rather than boldly predicting how it will destroy the 78th-ranked team.
The Azzurri's 1-1 draw with Paraguay in last Monday's group opener was the latest in a series of unconvincing displays and they will be taking nothing for granted at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit despite New Zealand's clear inferiority.
Inexperienced Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti will start following Gianluigi Buffon's back injury, adding to the uncertainty witnessed in defense against Paraguay.
The 27-year-old, who sometimes awkwardly punches the ball, has just six caps and has barely played with Italy's back four.
New Zealand earned its first point at a World Cup when Winston Reid netted with a header to equalize in injury time of its opening 1-1 draw with Slovakia and the Italians are concerned about their opponents' height in the box.
"We know they are a very physical squad and good in the air," Marchetti told reporters, aware he will have to command his area if Italy is to avoid any embarrassment.
The holder is also scarred by a 4-3 win over New Zealand in a friendly just before last year's Confederations Cup in South Africa, where it was dumped out in the group stage.
New Zealand, which qualified for the World Cup by beating teams like New Caledonia before prevailing in a playoff against Bahrain, worried Italy repeatedly in that meeting and only a late flurry prevented Marcello Lippi's side from humiliation.
Ask most Italy fans about the biggest threat offered by their side and you might get a blank look.
Forwards Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta were anonymous against Paraguay and Lippi has not ruled out changes, although making an immediate switch is not his way despite Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Di Natale knocking on the door.
New Zealand, which hopes vice-captain and midfielder Tim Brown is fit to play after a broken shoulder, will enjoy its moment.
"We've got nothing to lose, nobody is expecting anything from us," defender Tommy Smith said.
The Azzurri's 1-1 draw with Paraguay in last Monday's group opener was the latest in a series of unconvincing displays and they will be taking nothing for granted at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit despite New Zealand's clear inferiority.
Inexperienced Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti will start following Gianluigi Buffon's back injury, adding to the uncertainty witnessed in defense against Paraguay.
The 27-year-old, who sometimes awkwardly punches the ball, has just six caps and has barely played with Italy's back four.
New Zealand earned its first point at a World Cup when Winston Reid netted with a header to equalize in injury time of its opening 1-1 draw with Slovakia and the Italians are concerned about their opponents' height in the box.
"We know they are a very physical squad and good in the air," Marchetti told reporters, aware he will have to command his area if Italy is to avoid any embarrassment.
The holder is also scarred by a 4-3 win over New Zealand in a friendly just before last year's Confederations Cup in South Africa, where it was dumped out in the group stage.
New Zealand, which qualified for the World Cup by beating teams like New Caledonia before prevailing in a playoff against Bahrain, worried Italy repeatedly in that meeting and only a late flurry prevented Marcello Lippi's side from humiliation.
Ask most Italy fans about the biggest threat offered by their side and you might get a blank look.
Forwards Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta were anonymous against Paraguay and Lippi has not ruled out changes, although making an immediate switch is not his way despite Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Di Natale knocking on the door.
New Zealand, which hopes vice-captain and midfielder Tim Brown is fit to play after a broken shoulder, will enjoy its moment.
"We've got nothing to lose, nobody is expecting anything from us," defender Tommy Smith said.
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