( CNN ) -- World Cup holders Italy came back from a goal behind to secure an unconvincing 1-1 draw with Paraguay in their opening Group F match . The South Americans took a deserved lead after 39 minutes through Antolin Alcaraz 's header but an error from goalkeeper Justo Villar gifted Daniele De Rossi the equalizer in the second half . Italy improved as the game wore on but failed to force a winning goal amid driving rain at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town . They will have to raise their performance level if they are to match Brazil 's tally of five World Cups in South Africa . `` I just regret that we did not get the points we deserved , but sometimes that 's what happens , you get less than you deserve , '' Italy coach Marcelo Lippi told AFP . `` 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 . '' As has become characteristic in this tournament , the opening exchanges were extremely cautious with both sides limited to shots from distance . Paraguay opened Italy up with a sharp counter-attack after 21 minutes , the ball breaking to Aureliano Torres on the edge of the area , but he dragged his shot wastefully wide . Perhaps unsurprisingly the opening goal came from a set piece , with Alcaraz jumping above Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro and De Rossi to meet Torres 's free-kick with a firm header into the corner . Italy appeared relieved when the half-time whistle arrived having struggled to cope with Paraguay 's pressing game and spent much of the time bickering with each other or the referee . The defending champions were forced into a change at the break with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon replaced by Federico Marchetti . Italy raised the tempo of the game in the second half and Simone Pepe almost converted a fine cross from Gianluca Zambrotta . But the South Americans remained a danger on the break and Enrique Vera should have done better with a shot which found the side netting . With the game seemingly drifting away , Italy coach Marcelo Lippi made a crucial change , bringing on Mauro Camoranesi and reverting from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 system . The rethink energized Italy and their equalizer arrived just after the hour mark . A corner kick from the left flew over the outstretched fist of Villar , leaving de Rossi with a simple tap-in on the volley . Villar was a busy man for the rest of the game , pulling off saves from Pepe and Riccardo Montolivo as Italy pressed for a winner but Paraguay held on for a creditable draw . `` We played this game equally against the current world champions , '' Paraguay coach Gerardo Martini told AFP . `` To play against such a rival with such skills is a very good sign for us . It gives is a lot of confidence going ahead in this tournament . '' New Zealand takes on Slovakia in the other Group F game on Tuesday .
Defending champions Italy labor to 1-1 draw with Paraguay in Cape Town . Paraguay take lead through Antolin Alcaraz 's header in first half . Daniele de Rossi eqequalizes for the Italians after an error from goalkeeper Justo Villar .