The draw for 2010 FIFA World Cup saw Italy being placed in a relatively easy group with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. Brazil have work to do as they face Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.
Capetown was abuzz with excitement as the draw for the finalists kicked off in the evening. With France not being seeded there was a possibility of a replay of the previous World Cup final being played out in the group stages itself.
But Italian fears were allayed as they were drawn in one of the easiest groups at the finals. The team will be facing Paraguay in the first game of Group F in Capetown on June 14th.
They will take on New Zealand in their second match at Nelspruit on 20th June. The Azzuri will conclude their group stage when they face newcomers Slovakia at Johannesburg four days later.
Tournament favorites Brazil however find themselves in the so-called 'Group of Death'. The Samba Kings take on Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea in Group G.
Last year's hosts Germany also find themselves in a relatively tough group as they will take on Serbia, Australia and Ghana in Group D.
European champions Spain have an easy path to the knockout stages as they have been paired with Chile, Switzerland and Honduras.
Three & Easy For The Azzuri
The three teams in Italy's group have just managed eight appearances at the World Cup finals combined. Whereas this will be the first time for Slovakia, New Zealand have qualified only once before at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
Paraguay have become regular qualifiers from the South American zone now for the last few editions. They will probably be the team Italy should worry about the most.
The Paraguayans had an excellent qualifying campaign this time which included victories over Brazil and Argentina. And this year they come to the finals with a more complete squad than in the past.
New Zealand and Slovenia are two sides who have nothing to lose and hence can be expected to play fearlessly. However with the exception of a few players there is a real paucity of talent in the squads.
Marcello Lippi's men can now board the flight to South Africa with a little less pressure and should be confident of making a postive start to their defence of the crown.
Capetown was abuzz with excitement as the draw for the finalists kicked off in the evening. With France not being seeded there was a possibility of a replay of the previous World Cup final being played out in the group stages itself.
But Italian fears were allayed as they were drawn in one of the easiest groups at the finals. The team will be facing Paraguay in the first game of Group F in Capetown on June 14th.
They will take on New Zealand in their second match at Nelspruit on 20th June. The Azzuri will conclude their group stage when they face newcomers Slovakia at Johannesburg four days later.
Tournament favorites Brazil however find themselves in the so-called 'Group of Death'. The Samba Kings take on Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea in Group G.
Last year's hosts Germany also find themselves in a relatively tough group as they will take on Serbia, Australia and Ghana in Group D.
European champions Spain have an easy path to the knockout stages as they have been paired with Chile, Switzerland and Honduras.
Three & Easy For The Azzuri
The three teams in Italy's group have just managed eight appearances at the World Cup finals combined. Whereas this will be the first time for Slovakia, New Zealand have qualified only once before at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
Paraguay have become regular qualifiers from the South American zone now for the last few editions. They will probably be the team Italy should worry about the most.
The Paraguayans had an excellent qualifying campaign this time which included victories over Brazil and Argentina. And this year they come to the finals with a more complete squad than in the past.
New Zealand and Slovenia are two sides who have nothing to lose and hence can be expected to play fearlessly. However with the exception of a few players there is a real paucity of talent in the squads.
Marcello Lippi's men can now board the flight to South Africa with a little less pressure and should be confident of making a postive start to their defence of the crown.
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