Italy coach satisfied with draw against Paraguay

Italy may have been frustrated by Paraguay in their World Cup opener, but coach Marcello Lippi insists his team did enough to prove they have got their act together after an unconvincing lead-up.

The four-time champions went into the first match of their title defence in Cape Town on Monday evening under the cosh and with a point to prove.

Lippi said they did just that, despite a 1-1 draw.

“The important thing is this was not a decisive game. What is important is that people now realise we are here and have got our act together,” he said.

The Azzuri are often slow starters at big tournaments and the coach was keen to point out that the team will grow as the World Cup progresses.

“I saw the team grow out there. It is just too bad that we didn’t win because we deserved to win,” he said.

“Everyone played well, some better than others. I think we had good teamwork. I don’t want to overemphasise things, but I think we were more united than Paraguay.”

On a cold and wet night, the South Americans stunned the Italians by taking the lead on 39 minutes when Antolin Alcaraz outjumped ageing captain Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi to head home a cross.

De Rossi redeemed himself by grabbing the equaliser early in the second half, making the most of goalkeeper Justo Villar’s failure to clear a corner to put the Italians back into the game.

While less than convincing in the first half-half, Italy turned up the heat after their goal and they could have had more.

Lippi said they needed to focus on converting more chances before their next game against New Zealand on Sunday.

“We have to become more brilliant in our attack and grow, although you have to bear in mind that although the turf was really beautiful to look at, it was very slippery and very hard to control the ball.

“Of course we have to improve, but this is only the first match. I can be very satisfied with our team from every point of view.”

Cannavaro also admits they must improve if they want to emulate their feat from four years ago.

“A football team like Italy has to win these kinds of matches,” he told reporters. “We must do better in our next two games.”

The Italians at least came through the match relatively unscathed, although there is a big question mark over veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who has strained his back and was forced off at half-time.

Lippi suggested he was not happy with the 32-year-old.

“He had an ache during the warm-up and then he said he wanted to play, but after the first half he said he couldn’t continue,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate as we lost a substitution which would have been handy for the game. I don’t know how bad the injury is or how long it will take him to recover. The doctors will have to tell us that.”

Italy is also expected to be without AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo again for the must-win New Zealand clash.

Pirlo is still recovering from a calf injury. Lippi suggested earlier in the week that he could be fit in time but said after Monday’s match that he only expected him fit for their third game against Slovakia.