De Rossi admits ‘his mistake’

(GSM) – Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has admitted that he made a mistake which led to Paraguay’s goal in Cape Town.

The defending champions had to battle back to a 1-1 draw in their opening game in Group F as De Rossi scored the leveller in the second period.

But the Azzurri’s were given a fright when Paraguay went ahead on 39 minutes as Antolin Alcaraz headed in from a free-kick.

De Rossi has now conceded that he let his side down by losing his marker, but was relieved his team-mates upped their game to secure what could be a vital point.

“We played well, were tough and allowed Paraguay very little. My mistake led to the goal, so everyone was angry,” he said.

“We were going too deep defending the free-kicks, but he was my man and I was meant to be marking him. I definitely take the blame for that goal.

“It was important to get back on track at the start of the second half and we felt the path was there for the victory.

“I don’t think it was a tactical issue, as Paraguay were more aggressive in the first half and lost that intensity a little as time wore on.

“We passed the ball around, but were a little sterile in the final third and you pay for that at this level. We need to improve in the final third, to be more clinical and to get the final pass into the box. That’s what counts in a World Cup.”