Reigning world champions Italy will want to kick-start the defence of their crown against New Zealand.
Azzurri look to get up and running against spirited All Whites
Reigning world champions Italy will want to kick-start the defence of their crown against New Zealand.
The Azzurri put in a disjointed performance against Paraguay in their opening contest of the 2010 World Cup, having to come from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw.
Few sides shone in their first fixture and it would be foolish to write the Italians off so soon, but they will be well aware of the need to raise their game.
Marcello Lippi is a wily old coach who has seen this all before and he should still feel confident of booking a safe passage into the last 16.
New Zealand, though, will have aspirations of springing an upset in Nelspruit on Sunday and will not be overawed by the challenge laid in front of them.
They displayed commendable courage to earn a 1-1 draw with Slovakia in their opening contest, with a last-gasp leveller seeing them claim their first ever World Cup point.
The All Whites will now be looking to build on that display, desperate to prove that they are deserving of a place at football's top table.
Keeper concern
Italy's biggest concern heading into the game regards the fitness of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
He will definitely sit out the weekend fixture with a back problem, but could yet be sidelined long-term.
Italy will be desperate to get their first-choice stop-stopper back to full fitness, as Federico Marchetti lacks experience at this level.
Italy are also set to be without Andrea Pirlo once again, with the AC Milan midfielder not expected to come back into contention until the final round of fixtures in the group stage.
Shop window
New Zealand have no fresh concerns to contend with and are likely to keep faith with those who battled so bravely against Slovakia.
That means Chris Killen will once again lead the line, giving him an opportunity to put himself in the shop window as he prepares to see his contract at Middlesbrough expire.
He will also be looking to replicate his achievements from the last time these two nations met, at the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Italy prevailed 4-3 on that occasion, but required two late goals to see them home after a Killen brace had put New Zealand on the brink of a memorable success.
