Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he can recover from a back problem in time for the Azzurri's next game.

Buffon was replaced by backup Federico Marchetti at halftime of Italy's 1-1 draw with Paraguay as the Azzurri opened the defence of their World Cup title.

Italy's next opponent in Group F is New Zealand on Sunday - giving Buffon six days to recover.

Buffon says the problem was with his sciatic nerve and that he "hopes to recover in two days."

Team physician Enrico Castellacci says he wouldn't make any prognosis before performing a series of tests.

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