Lippi can afford a smile

A draw against opposition of a lesser pedigree would usually bring a scowl to the face of Italy coach Marcello Lippi. But he presented a quietly satisfied demeanour after the reigning champs were held 1-1 by Paraguay.
"The only thing I regret is that we normally win a match of this kind," he told a feisty Italian media after Monday night's Group F clash in Cape Town's Green Point stadium.
"The important thing is that this is not a decisive game, and people realise we are here and have got our attack together," he said.
The reason for his satisfaction is simple.
His team had attracted massive criticism prior to the tournament, with the Italian press writing off the Azzurri's chances of retaining their title after a 2-1 loss to Mexico and a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in warm-up matches.
The criticism centred on the age of key players - World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro, 36, and 33-year-old full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, among them - and Lippi's constant tinkering with his squad and formation.
But the Italians showed they are still a force to be reckoned with against a Paraguay team many tip to do well this year.
Italy dominated the game, moving the ball around well. Paraguay's goal - a header from Man of the Match Antolin Alcaraz - was the South American's only effort on target, compared to five for the Azzurri.
Daniele De Rossi, who slid home Italy's only goal from a corner by the lively Simone Pepe, looked to have recovered fully from a strain, and World Cup debutant Riccardo Montolivo impressed.
Paraguay were happier with the draw, even though they should have posed more of an attacking threat, considering they used all four of their much-vaunted forwards -Lucas Barrios, Nelson Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo - during the course of the game.
But boss Gerardo Martino reminded those who wanted to see more goals that Paraguay were up against the world champions, who are renowned for their ball possession and defensive skills.
"I think we weren't terribly accurate when we played the ball ... especially due to Italy's play," he said. "It wasn't easy for us. But we knew that Italy was going to be that sort of opponent."