Buffon World Cup return in doubt

Italy v Paraguay - Match highlights

Italy's influential goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon may not play again in the 2010 World Cup as his back problem is more serious than initially feared.

Buffon, who was replaced at half-time in Monday's 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group F opener against Paraguay, has a problem with his sciatic nerve.

A team statement said: "[He] has a strong sciatic problem. It's impossible to estimate when he might return."

Italy's next match is against New Zealand on Sunday 20 June at 1500 BST.

Buffon, 32, was replaced by substitute Federico Marchetti at half-time in Cape Town as the World Cup holders began the defence of their title.

He initially said he hoped "to recover in two days".

But team doctor Enrico Castellacci stopped short of stating that Buffon would be fit.

CHRIS BEVAN'S BLOG As things stand, Lippi's strategy of relying upon veterans of his memorable triumph in Germany 2006 undoubtedly looks misguided

Buffon could do little to stop Paraguay taking the lead on a rain-drenched night in Cape Town, with Antolin Alcaraz making the most of some hesitant defending from captain Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi to head home an unlikely opener.

But De Rossi made amends after the break when some dreadful goalkeeping from Paraguay's Justo Villar allowed the midfielder to nip in and equalise from a corner.

"During the warm-up Buffon felt a pain in his back and after the first half he couldn't continue," said Italy coach Marcelo Lippi.

"It was a big blow. We lost a substitution that we could have used.

Buffon is regarded as the one of the best goalkeepers in world football

Italy struggled to get going in what was their first World Cup match since winning the tournament in Germany four years ago.

The awful weather did not help their cause though, and Lippi, who masterminded the victory in Berlin, insisted his team had made a satisfactory start to their title defence.

"Italy is right here. We're here tactically, physically, with our hearts, we're here full stop.

"I just regret that we did not get the points we deserved, but sometimes that's what happens, you get less than you deserve.

"The important thing is this was not a decisive game. What is important is that people now realise we are here and have got our act together."

"We deserved to win," De Rossi said. "We controlled the ball virtually the entire time, but it's not easy against these teams that dream simply of drawing with the world champions.

"And if you fall behind, it becomes even tougher."

De Rossi equalises for Italy

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