Italy vs Paraguay – teams announced

World champions Italy begin the defence of their title without Andrea Pirlo in their match with Paraguay, which kicks off at 7.30pm.

Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo slots into midfield to replace him.

There is no place in Paraguay’s starting line-up for £18m Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz – who missed their entire qualifying campaign with injury – with Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino selecting Lucas Barrios and Nelso Valdez up front instead.

Barrios is 8/1 to score first while Valdez is 10/1.

Another striker, Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo, has recovered from an ankle injury but must also wait for his chance.

There has been plenty of speculation about Italy coach Marcello Lippi’s tactics, but he goes with two men up front in the shape of Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta. They are 6/1 and 7/1 to score first respectively.

It appears to be a 4-4-2 formation for the Azzuri who have five members of the side that won the trophy in 2006 in their starting line-up.

Teams in full:

Italy
Buffon, Criscito, Chiellini, Cannavaro Captain, Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pepe, Marchisio, Montolivo, Iaquinta, Gilardino

Paraguay
Villar Captain, Morel Rodriguez, Da Silva, Torres, Alcaraz, Caceres, Vera, Caceres, Riveros Nunez, Valdez, Barrios

How do you think the match win pan out? Italy are 9/2 to win 1-0.