Reigning champions Italy had to come from behind to secure a draw n their opening game of the World Cup finals.

The Azzurri head coach Marcello Lippi sprung something of a surprise by handing a starting spot to defender Domenico Criscito, with midfield pair Mauro Camoranesi and Andrea Pirlo both injured.

Striker Oscar Cardozo was not fit enough to start for the South Americans, but took his place on the bench.

The game got underway at a fairly sedate pace in a rainstorm, with the Azzurri having the better of the possession without creating any chances.

Riccardo Montolivo had their only effort on target, midway through the half, but his shot from distance was far too weak to trouble Justo Villar.

Italy's failure to press home their advantage proved costly six minutes before half-time as Aureliano Torres' left-foot free-kick from the right was headed home superbly by Antolin Alcaraz, with the Azzurri defence stood watching.

At half-time Italy had to replace goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with Federico Marchetti. However, the Azzurri made the brighter start despite the loss of Buffon, but still found clear chances hard to come by.

They were given a helping hand just past the hour mark as keeper Villar failed to deal with a corner kick from Simone Pepe on the left and the ball fell to Daniele de Rossi to turn the ball home at the far post.

Both sides then made changes, with Italy starting to take over as the game drew to a close.

Villar dealt safely with a Pepe drive ten minutes from time and three minutes later he had to get down smartly to tip away a low Montolivo effort from long range. T

hat proved to be the last effort on goal, with both sides having to be content with a draw.