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Defending champion Italy and Paraguay were locked at 0-0 Monday after 15 minutes of their Group F opener at Green Point Stadium.
After a day of often intense rain, the match kicked off under a drizzle, leaving the pitch slippery. Temperatures stood at 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit), but the swirling winds coming off the ocean made it feel colder.
Italy took the early initiative, playing with confidence and poise as Paraguay fell back in defense, often leaving only one man in Italy's half. Midfielder Riccardo Montolivo had two long-range shots blocked.
In the first minute, Montolivo went down after a rash tackle from Christian Riveros.
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Italy opened its defense with six members of its 2006 squad in the team.
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