JOHANNESBURG — The World Cup is no place for defending champions, with only Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962 repeating. The Azzurri are facing an early, ignominious departure from South Africa 2010 if they don’t beat Slovakia today.
Sure, a draw could push the Italians into the second round from Group F, but only if Paraguay beats New Zealand is that ensured.
Perhaps helping the Azzurri stay will be midfielder Andrea Pirlo. The playmaker appears recovered from a left calf injury that kept him out of the first two matches. He was a key to Italy’s title in 2006.
But Pirlo is an uncertain participant.
“I really want to weigh the options and choose the lineup with care, taking into consideration the players’ conditions and involving them in the decision,” coach Marcello Lippi said. “As long as we stay positive we have a chance.”
The Slovaks must win and have Paraguay win or draw with New Zealand to advance.
Footnotes.
Left wing Arjen Robben appears fully recovered from a left hamstring injury he suffered in a warm-up match June 5 and could play for the Netherlands today against Cameroon.
• David Villa, who has scored both of Spain’s goals, is certain to start Friday against Chile after FIFA cleared the striker of any offense for putting his hand across the face of Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre in Monday’s game.
The Associated Press
