Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has slammed the tactics of Italy coach Marcello Lippi after last night's draw with New Zealand.

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

"At the World Cup many of our players are not in their usual positions because the Coach is performing many experiments," he told RAI.

"Changing so much has also prompted us to make mistakes and is creating confusion among us, but the Coach has the right experience to take us forward in this situation."

Lippi fielded the same players for the 1-1 draw with Paraguay and the identical result against New Zealand, but in a 4-2-3-1 and then a 4-4-2 system.

"We are a little downbeat, because we thought that we would get through this group a lot easier," continued Marchisio.

"Admittedly it was a mistake to put in so many crosses against a New Zealand side that is strong in the air."