Preview: Italy – Paraguay

(GSM) – Reigning world champions Italy will out to silence their critics on Monday when they take on Paraguay in Cape Town as both sides begin play in World Cup Group F.

Italy, despite winning the trophy four years ago in Germany, have been criticized in media outlets for having a squad that is too old.

The Azzurri could translate this as to having more experience than anyone else with many of the key players from the 2006 squad returning for another go-round in 2010 in South Africa.

The criticism rang out loud two weeks ago when Italy were beaten 2-1 by Mexico in a friendly. Italy then followed that up with another unconvincing display in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland two days later.

The big news for manager Marcello Lippi is that midfield and set-piece talisman Andrea Pirlo is out of Monday’s game with a calf injury, leaving Ricardo Montolivo as the likely deputy for Italy.

A few others have some knocks to deal with, but it is likely that the rest of Lippi’s 23-man squad will be available for selection when match time rolls around.

For Paraguay, it has been a tumultuous road to South Africa.

After securing qualification for the World Cup finals, they lost star striker Salvador Cabanas after he was shot in the head at a nightclub in Mexico.

This has left some to wonder where the goals will come from for Gerardo Martino’s charges.

A pleasant surprise in the buildup came in the form of Borussia Dortmund striker and Argentina-born Lucas Barrios, who bagged a goal in each of Paraguay’s three tune-up matches for the World Cup. Veteran striker Roque Santa Cruz has also been in improved form for the South Americans.

Oscar Cardozo, who had a breakout campaign this past season for Benfica, may have to come off the bench if he is unable to go with a leg injury. And despite some debate, it appears that Justo Villar will start in goal.