Italy Gets Lucky

Italy won its first World Cup match yesterday, 2-0 against Ghana.

Pirlo scored in the 41st minute with a classic close-your-eyes-and-kick-it, a goal that nevertheless went attributed to skill and rigorous training. Later in the second half, fortune struck the scandalo-ridden Italian squad again, Ghana's defense folded and Iaquinta ably dribbled around Ghana's goalie, sliding it into the net.

The foreign press overwhelmingly praised the Italian effort and its efficacy in shutting down Ghana's attack. The Spanish press, however, took exception saying, "Italy resolved the game against Ghana in its typical fashion... ...by putting the game to sleep."

With the Italian midfield dropping back and playing a full-on defensive game after Pirlo's goal, the Italians effectively managed to whiddle away the remaining minutes on the time clock.

Italy's coach, Marcello Lippi, prior to the game urged caution, saying, "If we beat Ghana, then the match against the U.S. will be difficult," inferring that his squad needs to stay alert, keep up their guard and maintain concentration.

Italy (1-0-0) plays the U.S. (0-1-0) Saturday, June 17th at 9 p.m., in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

N.d.R. - pictured above, Alena Seredova, Italy's goalkeeper's wife