Defending champions Italy open with draw
Buffon injured
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Italy opened the defence of its World Cup title with a laborious 1-1 draw against Paraguay today.
Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz headed in a goal in the 39th minute of the rainy Group F match, and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi equalised from close range in the 63rd.
Standout Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon exited with an apparent nerve problem at halftime, eliminating another key member of the 2006 champions with midfielder Andrea Pirlo already out due to a left calf injury.
The other two teams in Group F, Slovakia and New Zealand, play tomorrow.