Italy coach Marcello Lippi lost his rag with New Zealand journalists after last night's 1-1 draw.

The Azzurri fought back from a Shane Smeltz opener with Vincenzo Iaquinta's penalty in the 1-1 draw with New Zealand.

Lippi was incensed when a New Zealand journalist asked if Daniele De Rossi was guilty of "gamesmanship" when going down for the penalty.

Lippi barked: "I saw that the New Zealand goal was offside. It was also a clear penalty on De Rossi. I also saw Rory Fallon immediately went on to the field and started elbowing people left, right and centre."

Just as with Paraguay, Italy conceded an early goal from a long set play.

"The whole team was back and couldn't defend from a free kick thumped in from 40 metres. I hope it's a coincidence, but we do need to work on it after conceding this way twice."