Match Preview: Slovakia vs Italy

Group F

Slovakia v Italy
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Thu June 24, 3pm BST

Italy, after two draws, are reasonably sweating for the defence of their title, even if they can be pleased by the grand tradition of being slow starters at World Cups. Daniele De Rossi admits “We are worried”, but not worried enough to trust they will slip up in opposition to a side that were picked separately by Paraguay.

Slovakia may trench Kornel Salata, after his admittance of importance match stage fright in opposition to Paraguay. If Slovakia is harbouring any real goal, they must trust yet that through Stanislav Sestak and Robert Vittek.

They said

Wladimir Weiss: "We lost against Paraguay because we weren’t bold enough up front, so we require being more positive against Italy.”

Marcello Lippi: "Not the whole thing has gone well but we don't require seeing the glass half empty. Our World Cup could start here."

Teams

Slovakia (4-4-2): 1 Mucha; 2 Pekarik, 3 Skrtel, 17 Hamsik, 11 Vittek, 16 Durica, 4 Cech, 6 Strba, 7 Weiss, 15 Stoch; 9 Sestak
Italy (4-3-3): 5 Cannavaro, 4 Chiellini, 12 Marchetti, 19 Zambrotta, 3 Criscito; 6 De Rossi, 21 Pirlo, 22 Montolivo; 10 Di Natale, 9 Iaquinta, 20 Pazzini

Referee: TBC.