Italy will begin to defend its world title on Monday when they face Paraguay in their opening Group F match. The Azzurri will look to make a strong statement in their debut as many in the football world are doubting their posibilities of retaining their crown. Marcello Lippi has set up a strong defense with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and centerback Fabio Cannavaro anchoring Italy's back line. However, much skepticism surrounds the Azzurri camp as poor results and a lack of scoring in their last three exhibition matches have caused much concern among the Italian fans and media.

Paraguay, meanwhile, has strong aspirations of qualifying out of the group stage as New Zealand and Slovakia do not seem to be of major concern as of yet. Paraguay, with Argentine coach Gerardo Martino at the helm, could be a dark horse in the group stage. Although they lost Salvador Cabanas because of a gun shot wound to the the head earlier in the year, Lucas Barrios has stepped up to the plate.

The Borussia Dortmund striker, who was born in Argentina and was naturalized Paraguayan just weeks ago, was the third leading goal scorer in Germany's Bundesliga this season. Barrios was also the leading scorer in the world in the 2008-2009 season playing for Chile giant Colo Colo according to the IFFHS. Roque Santa Cruz should also get plenty of looks on offense as his EPL experience should give him an advantage playing in or around the opponent's goal area.

The match will take place at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town and is scheduled for a 2:30pm ET kickoff. Both sides met just once in World Cup play, with Italy grabbing the win in 1950.

Probable starting lineups:

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Chiellini, Cananvaro, Criscito; Gattuso, Di Natale, Montolivo, Rossi, Quagliarella; Gilardino

Paraguay: Villar, Bonet, Veron, Da Silva, Morel; Vera, Santana, Riveros, Torres; Valdez, Barrios