In their first match in this World Cup campaign, Italy defeated Ghana 2-0 on Monday. Andrea Pirlo scored a 40th minute goal. The second goal was scored by substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta seven minutes from the end. In this Group E contest Ghana keeper Richard Kingston made a number of excellent saves. In the 12th minute of the game, Kingston smothered a shot from Alberto Gilardino.

Five minutes before half time Pirlo's right-footed drive to the bottom corner helped score the first goal of the match. Ghana missed a golden chance, when Emmanuel Pappoe got a chance but unfortunately he sliced his effort wide. Totti was injured in the 83rd minute.