Italy pick up a point and maybe learn a lesson: Italy 1-1 Paraguay

Italy managed to pick up a point against Paraguay after a defensive blunder allowed the South American side to take a valuable first half time league. Italy lined up with Iaqunita and Pepe supporting Gilardino down the flanks but really this isolated the Fiorentina forward. Whilst Pepe showed some nice touched Iaquinta was totally out of position and this left Italy unable to conjure up anything really in the first 45 despite having the larger amount of possession. It was much the same in the second until Mauro Camoranesi was introduced allowing Italy to play a flat 4-4-2. This completely changed the pace and sharpness of the Italy attack and quickly De Rossi leveled from a corner after a goal keeping howler. Italy after this were well on top but couldn't transfer that into legitimate chances. However, its important to remember that they were playing a decent Paraguay side who historically a tough team to break down and qualified ahead of Argentina and Uruguay to get to this world cup. A point was about right on the night, but the lesson of keeping it to a 4-4-2 must be learned. For me that would be the most important point that could be taken from this match.

Selection wise with New Zealand up next it would be worth giving Di Natale and Pazzini a chance to show their worth as starters. Gilardino is an excellent forward but lacks the world class quality that many believe Pazzini has and can show at this level. The Sampdoria striker in my view has a better all round game making him dangerous in the air, and anywhere 20 yards from the goal.