Italy trails Slovakia 1-0 at halftime at World Cup

Defending champion Italy trails Slovakia 1-0 at halftime of the teams' final World Cup Group F match.

Italy's struggling midfield gave away possession in the 25th minute and forward Robert Vittek guided his shot low to the right of diving goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

Slovakia must win to have a chance of advancing. Italy will reach the second round if it wins, although a draw could be enough.

Italy forward Antonio Di Natale's 35-meter (yard) shot after 15 seconds had goalkeeper Jan Mucha scrambling before it swerved wide.

Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik dragged a left-foot volley wide five minutes later, and Marchetti was unconvincing pushing away Zdenko Strba's shot in the 34th.