Italian coach Marcello Lippi lamented the 1-1 draw with New Zealand as bad luck, which forced the former world champions to beat Slovakia in their last group match in order to advance for the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup.

Shane Smeltz scored in the 7th minute for New Zealand, before Vincenzo Iaquinta put in the equaliser in the 29th minute from the penalty kick.

At a post-match press conference, Lippi again bemoaned ill-fortune as the reason behind his side's failure to secure the full points here on Sunday.

"We didn't have much luck but it must be said we didn't play a great game," said Lippi. "Starting the game in such a way gave us an uphill task. The side played with great desire, but we were lacking the cutting edge in certain moments.

"It has to be said luck didn't favour us tonight. We hit the woodwork and lofted numerous balls into the box without joy. Now we must win the final game if we are to have any aspirations of progressing to the next round."

Italy will take on Slovakia on Thursday afternoon in the final round of Group F games.