Italy v New Zealand: match preview

Group F
Italy v New Zealand
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: Sun June 20, 3pm BST

Italy have been the victims of sensations in World Cups past, losing to North Korea in 1966 and to South Korea in 2002, so will tread a mite warily as they face another game that, in theory, they can’t lose.

“There are teams that we should beat, we're better,” booms Daniele De Rossi. Maybe, but confidence is hardy soaring in the world champions’ camp after opening their defence with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay and they will recall that the robust All White triers, who earned a last minute equaliser against Slovakia, have already run the Azzurri close, losing 4-3 in a friendly last June.
Italy have lost goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with a herniated disc, with Federico Marchetti coming in as deputy, and Mauro Camoranesi may be introduced with Marcello Lippi tipped to sideline Claudio Marchisio. New Zealand likely to be unchanged.
Touchline duel
Ricki Herbert has done a marvellous job squeezing 100 per cent out from his side but in Marcello Lippi is up against one of the game’s master technicians who happens to have far more ammunition to work with.
Talking tactics
It won’t be tactical rocket science. New Zealand’s Plymouth striker Rory Fallon has promised Italy simply an examination in muscular physicality and aerial bombardment, warning: "We're a big, strong team and those diagonal balls and crosses can make it difficult for defenders.”
Italy may employ the more effective 4-4-2 formation which Lippi switched to, from 4-2-3-1, during the Paraguay game.
Key clash
Ryan Nelson remains New Zealand's tower of strength but the Blackburn stalwart’s experience and expertise will never have been needed more as he seeks to contain the striking talent of Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta.
What they say
Marcello Lippi: ""What would happen if we lost? I am not thinking about that. I think only about winning."
Ricki Herbert: “Nobody expects us to beat Italy but then nobody expected us to draw against Slovakia. We're in a good space, the players are really positive, I think we'll go out and play well again."
Teams
Italy (4-4-2): 12 Marchetti, 19 Zambrotta, 5 Cannavaro, 4 Chiellini, 3 Criscito, 9 Camoranesi, 6 De Rossi, 22 Montolivo, 7 Pepe, 10 Di Natale, 11 Gilardino
New Zealand (4-3-2-1):1 Paston, 4 Reid, 6 Nelsen, 5 Vicelich, 19 Smith, 11 Bertos, 7 Elliott, 3 Lockhead, 10 Killen, 9 Smeltz, 14 Fallon.
Referee: Carlos Buates (Guatemala)
Previous meetings
Played 1
2009 (Atteridgeville, friendly): Italy 4 New Zealand 3
Fact: Italy have not lost a group game in the finals since they were beaten 2-1 by Croatia in 2002.
Prediction: Despite the heroics of the All Whites against Slovakia, expect nothing more than a win for the Azzurri.