Defending champion Italy was far from proving itself to be a credible contender for a second straight World Cup title Monday, and the flying form of the Netherlands never really got off the ground.

The Italians, who came into the World Cup in South Africa with an aging squad and questions about whether they could again win consecutive tournaments as they did in 1934 and '38, were held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay in Group F in Cape Town.

The two-time finalist Dutch struggled to get the offence moving at Soccer City but still managed to earn a 2-0 win over Denmark in Group E. In the other Group E match, Keisuke Honda scored to lead Japan over Cameroon 1-0 in Bloemfontein.

Antolin Alcaraz gave Paraguay the lead at the Green Point Stadium with a header in the 39th minute of the rainy Group F match, and Daniele De Rossi equalized for Italy from close range in the 63rd, according to Canadian Press.

"The biggest regret is the result," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "They only approached the goal once and they scored. We reacted well but you've got to win games likes these."

Italy, however, played the second half without goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who left the game with back a problem. Buffon said the problem was with his sciatic nerve.

"I hope he's back for the next game but that will be up to the doctors," Lippi said.