Slovakia leads defending champion Italy 1-0 at halftime of final World Cup Group F game

Slovakia leads Italy 1-0 at halftime

JOHANNESBURG — Slovakia leads defending champion Italy 1-0 at halftime of their final World Cup Group F match.

Italy’s struggling midfield gave away possession in the 25th minute and forward Robert Vittek guided his shot low to the right of diving goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

Slovakia must win to have a chance of advancing, while Italy will reach the second round if it wins, though a draw could be enough.

Italy forward Antonio Di Natale’s 35-yard shot after 15 seconds had goalkeeper Jan Mucha scrambling before it swerved wide.

Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik dragged a left-footed volley wide, and Marchetti struggled to push away Zdenko Strba’s shot in the 34th.

Slovakia’s Martin Skrtel dangerously headed just over his own crossbar in the 40th.