Italy’s defence of their World Cup crown was dealt another blow with a 1-1 draw with New Zealand in Nelspruit on Sunday.
For the second successive game, the Azzurri fell behind before battling back to take a point.
Shane Smeltz opened the scoring for the All Whites after just seven minutes but Vincenzo Iaquinta levelled from the penalty spot before the break.
Italy now need to overcome Slovakia in their final Group F game on Thursday afternoon if they’re to be certain of a place in the last 16.
However, with Paraguay overcoming the Slovaks on a 2-0 scoreline earlier, Italy are now likely to have to satisfy themselves to second place and a second round game against Group E winners Holland next week.
Sunday’s World Cup Group F results:
Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay
Italy 1-1 New Zealand
