Slovakia leads defending champion Italy 1-0 after 30 minutes of final World Cup Group F game

Slovakia leads Italy 1-0 after 30 minutes

JOHANNESBURG — Slovakia leads defending champion Italy 1-0 after 30 minutes of a final first-round game in World Cup Group F.

Forward Robert Vittek stretched to put a right-footed shot low to the right of goalkeeper’s Federico Marchetti dive in the 25th minute.

The goal came when Italy’s midfield gave away possession deep in its own half.

Italy forward Antonio Di Natale had the first scoring chance after 15 seconds when his 35-yard shot had goalkeeper Jan Mucha scrambling before it swerved wide.

Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik dragged a left-footed volley wide when Vittek found him in space.

Italy will reach the second round if it wins. A draw could be enough depending on New Zealand’s result against group leader Paraguay in Polokwane. Slovakia must win and get help.