Dozens of police officers kept a close vigil as world champions Italy arrived at Johannesburg airport on Wednesday for the defence of their title.
Dozens of police officers kept a close vigil as world champions Italy arrived at Johannesburg airport on Wednesday for the defence of their title.
Around 10 hardcore fans had made it to the airport in the early morning to show their support for the out-of-sorts Italians whose build up to the first World Cup in Africa has been far from impressive.
In two friendlies they lost to the dazzling Mexicans and then struggled to hold Switzerland to a draw.
They have also lost playmaker Andrea Pirlo to a calf strain for their opening match against Paraguay on June 13 and he faces a race against time to be involved in any of their group games.
New Zealand and Slovakia are their other two Group F opponents.
Following their arrival, Italy headed off to the Leriba Golf Lodge, just outside Pretoria.
They won their fourth world title four years ago in Berlin following a penalty shoot-out victory against France after French captain Zinedine Zidane had been dismissed for head-butting Marco Materazzi.
u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
