Holders face Paraguay test in opener

CAPE TOWN: Champions Italy insist they have the right mix of youth and experience to successfully defend the World Cup, but there are lingering concerns ahead of a tough opener against Paraguay today.

Marcello Lippi, Italy’s coachis unconcerned about their form, or worries that the squad is too old.

“We’ve got old players but age doesn’t mean broken down, it means experience, charisma,” he said. “We’re used to matches at a high level, we have the right mix with our young players.”

Paraguay, on the other hand, are in great shape having beaten Brazil and Argentina in qualifying.

They can no longer be considered minnows having reached their fourth straight finals, with much of the credit given to Argentinian coach Gerardo Martino who has managed to negotiate a delicate transition phase for his team.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2010.