World-Italy stick by forwards, system may change

By Mark Meadows
NELSPRUIT, June 20 (Reuters) - World champions Italy made an enforced change in goal for Sunday’s World Cup Group F clash with New Zealand but otherwise kept the same team that drew 1-1 with Paraguay in their opener.

Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti replaced Gianluigi Buffon, who could miss the rest of the tournament with a back problem, but coach Marcello Lippi resisted the temptation to bring in winger Mauro Camoranesi in place of Claudio Marchisio.
Forwards Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta were retained despite unconvincing recent showings.
A change in formation from the 4-2-3-1 which started against Paraguay is likely though, with wideman Simone Pepe playing on the right and Marchisio on the left of a 4-4-2.

As already announced, New Zealand named the same team which drew 1-1 with Slovakia in their first match with midfielder Tim Brown fit enough for a place on the bench after a shoulder problem.
(Editing by Jon Bramley)