Defending champion Italy at 0-0 with Slovakia after 15 minutes of final World Cup Group F game

Italy at 0-0 with Slovakia after 15 minutes

JOHANNESBURG — Italy and Slovakia are even at 0-0 after 15 minutes of their final World Cup Group F match.

Within 15 seconds Italy forward Antonio Di Natale tried a 35-yard shot that had goalkeeper Jan Mucha scrambling back before the ball swerved wide.

Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik dragged a left-footed volley wide in the sixth minute when a headed pass from Robert Vittek found him in space near the penalty spot.

After a Slovakia free kick in the 13th, defender Radoslav Zabavnik’s shot went high off-target.

Defending champion Italy will reach the second round if it wins at Ellis Park. A draw could be enough depending on New Zealand’s result against group leader Paraguay in Polokwane.

Slovakia must win to have any chance to advance.