Italy were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Group F minnows New Zealand as the world champions remain winless in South Africa. An early strike from Shane Smeltz gave New Zealand a surprise lead, but Vincenzo Iaquinta replied from the spot for Italy. The two teams remain joint-second on two points as Paraguay lead the group with four, following their earlier victory over Slovakia. Italy started with Federico Marchetti in goal as Gianluigi Buffon is still struggling with a back problem. The Azzurri new number one conceded after just seven minutes when the outsiders were off to a shock start, with Italy once again conceding from a set piece. Marksman Smeltz pounced on Fabio Cannavaro's poor clearance to a freekick, tapping in from close range. It was expectedly one-way traffic from that point as the Italians were unlucky to have a Ricardo Montolivo shot denied by the post before getting their equalizer.
A needless foul from defender Tommy Smith on Daniele De Rossi gave the referee no choice but to award Italy a 28th minute penalty, converted successfully by Iaquinta. De Rossi, Italy's most influential player so far, tried his luck from range before the break, but his powerful shot was foiled by Mark Paston. Italy manager Marcello Lippi introduced Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi at half time, before bringing on Giampaolo Pazzini later. But the attacking change hardly helped the toothless Azzurri, who only threatened the New Zealand through long-range efforts. Montolivo rifled another shot from distance, but the vigilant Paton saved as Kiwi almost punished their lame opponents four minutes from time. Substitute Chris Wood outmuscled Cannavaro to fire inches wide of the left post, providing an unthinkable scare for the Italians. Paston once again came to the rescue for Kiwi late in the game, this time denying Camoranesi's shot.
