Italy handed easy draw

(GSM) – Italy enjoyed a nice draw as they were placed in a group with Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.

The World Champions will start the defence of their title against Paraguay on June 14 in Cape Town. The South Americans have only played Italy once, back in 1998. La Squadra Azurra won that match 3-1 thanks to a goal from Paolo Maldini and a bullet from Francesco Moriero.

Italy boss Marcello Lippi can refer to this June’s friendly match against New Zealand (4-3 win) to prevent his men from underestimating the All Whites. Italy locks horns with New Zealand on June 20 in Nelspruit.

Perhaps the most intriguing game in Group F will take place in Johannesburg on June 24 when Italy face Slovakia who will be driven by Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik. Bout countries meet each other for the second time in history, their first match took place in 1998 when the Azzurri won 3-0 in Catania thanks to goals from Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti.