Andrea Pirlo was back in training for struggling Italy, a day after the World Cup holders were held to a shocking 1-1 draw by lowly New Zealand.

The return of the AC Milan midfielder was just about the only piece of good news for Italy in the wake of two less then impressive draws.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi lectured the players for 20 minutes before the start of training, with even injured goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon called out of the gym for the occasion.

Pirlo has been out since injuring his left calf in a pre-tournament friendly with Mexico on June 3.

Italy also drew 1-1 in its opener with Paraguay and needs a win in its final Group F match with Slovakia on Thursday to be sure of advancing.

Lippi still wasn't sure Pirlo would play against Slovakia.

"He just touched a ball today for the first time in nearly 20 days," the coach said. "We'll see."

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