Italy vs New Zealand – teams announced
Published:Marcelo Lippi has made one change to his side as Italy look to breathe life into their World Cup campaign by beating New Zealand today. Kick off is at 3pm.
Federico Marchetti deputises in goal for the injured Gianluigi Buffon, whose participation in the World Cup is under threat.
Lippi was expected to switch to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation, but the veteran coach appears to be keeping faith with a conservative five-man midfield.
Mauro Camoranesi is left on the bench despite impressing after coming on as a substitute in Italy’s opening 1-1 draw with Paraguay.
Alberto Gilardino will lead the Azzurri attack again, and the Fiorentina forward is the 7/2 favourite to score first.
New Zealand have kept faith with the team that secured the All Whites’ first ever point at a World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Slovakia.
Their captain, Ryan Nelsen, is expected to be a busy man. The Blackburn centre-back and his fellow defenders will have their hands full against an Italy team desperate to make amends for their sloppy showing against Paraguay.
The confirmed starting line-ups are:
Italy: Marchetti; Zambrotta, Chiellini, Cannavaro (Captain), Criscito; Camoranesi, Montolivo, De Rossi, Pepe; Iaquinta, Gilardino
New Zealand: Paston; Smith, Vicelich, Nelsen (Captain), Lochhead; Reid, Elliott, Bertos; Smeltz, Killen, Fallon
See the full Italy vs New Zealand market.
