Defending champions Italy came from behind to make a 1-1 tie with Paraguay here on Monday in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Group F opener.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi said after the match that he was satisfied with his players' performances but regretted for not collecting a win.

"We have some new players and I am glad to see they are progressing. We created more chances than our opponents," he noted.

He said he was surprised that Paraguay played in such a conservative way. "Anyway, this was not a deciding match."

In the heavy rain lasting for almost 24 hours, Paraguay centre-back Antolin Alcaraz came up from the back in the 39th minute and outjumped his marker De Rossi to head home a freekick.

Enrique Vera of Paraguay(R) vies for the ball during the Group F first round match against Italy at 2010 FIFA World Cup at Green Point stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 14, 2010. The match ended with 1-1 tie.

Italy tied the score on 63 minutes when De Rossi met Pepe's cornerkick at the back post and bundled the ball in from close-range.

Except the two goals, both sides had little to boast. Italy looked better in composure on ball and create more chances.

Montolivo cut inside and shot from 20-yards out in the 54th minute. His effort was straight at the Paraguay keeper Justo Villar.

In the 82nd minute, Pepe passed inside to Montolivo, who looked up and shot from 30-yards. But Villar palmed it out.

【体坛英语资讯：Defending champions Italy held 1-1 with Paraguay】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Amy Winehouse and Blake are killing each other,says her mother-in-law

★ 体坛英语资讯：China Open: Gonzalez hard tested, host players out

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Craig trains for next Bond film

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Stars support Chinas digital films

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lang Lang delights the crowd with moving performance

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lius Milk Tea Blues

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Parenthood ended Hudson and Robinsons marriage

★ 体坛英语资讯：Lakers head for record 29th NBA Finals

★ 体坛英语资讯：China beats Poland in womens basketball friendly

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan receiving flirty text messages