Italy’s De Rossi equalizes Alcaraz’s goal for Paraguay in Group F opener with 15 minutes left

Italy, Paraguay 1-1 after 75 minutes

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Daniele De Rossi scored in a goalmouth scramble to put Italy into a 1-1 tie with Paraguay in their Group F opener at the World Cup with 15 minutes left.

De Rossi found the net from Pepe’s corner in the 63rd minute. Goalkeeper Justo Villa came for the ball but missed it, allowing the Italy midfielder to sneak in at the far side for the equalizer at Green Point Stadium.

Paraguay took the lead in the 39th minute when Antolin Alcaraz scored with a header, soaring above Fabio Cannavaro and De Rossi to head a long-range free kick from Aureliano Torres past goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Surprisingly, Buffon was replaced by Federico Marchetti of Cagliari at halftime. No immediate reason was available.