Italy v Paraguay – Azzuri: worse then ’86?

warning from Alan: I’m a lifelong Azzuri fan, can’t help but be partisan – but much less love for this year’s model

first four minutes and Italy looks great – albeit no evidence of a striking threat, but they easily have the balance of play

love the rain – and classic Italian baggies

nervy stretch of play at the 20 minute mark – then again Italy thrives absorbing opponents

30 minute mark: nothing inspired so far from either side, Italy has returned to controlling mid-field

39th minute – Goal!!!!!! Alcaraz!!!!!!! Wigan Athletic in the house!!!!! Paraguay 1 Italy 0 Cannavaro proves his worth – now we’ll see what these italians are made of – but where oh where will the goals come from

55th minute: miserable performance isn’t it? everything all the naysayers (myself included) were saying is proving true – my kingdom for a Totti

63 minute – Goal! utterly undeserved – more company for Robert Green, wretched goaltending

70th minute – Gilardino had a moment of space in the box a moment ago, but should’ve laid the ball off in the end – team does look stronger with Mauro on the pitch

71st – Di Natale for Gilardino, fine with me

love the sox in this match

76th minute – Cannavaro picks up ball at edge of box, takes afew steps with and gives it away – it ain’t ’06

77 – sweet through ball to Di Natale, wins a corner, goalie handles it this time

1-1 final – fair result – will be interesting to watch Slovakia tomorrow to see what they can bring

last time the Azzuri were defending champs they exited the tournament without barely a peep – none of the usual, controversy, conspiracy theories that accompany Italy’s ouster – a decent side, no threat to challenge for the trophy – is this squad weaker than ’86? Time will tell, but I think I’d take ’86.