Italy’s fitness coach analysed the different preparations of clubs and national teams after difficulties against Spain.

Cesare Prandelli said the difference in fitness levels between the Azzurri and Spain were “almost embarrassing” after their 1-0 friendly defeat last week.

Italy’s fitness coach analysed the different preparations of clubs and national teams after difficulties against Spain.

Cesare Prandelli said the difference in fitness levels between the Azzurri and Spain were “almost embarrassing” after their 1-0 friendly defeat last week.

Serie A clubs have also seen a clear difference in their stamina and pace in the Champions League and Europa League, so what is behind it?

“It is too generic to suggest players work harder in Italy in training than abroad,” said fitness coach Giambattista Venturati in a Press conference.

“We know from our experiences at club level that foreign players have to be introduced gradually, as they are not accustomed to the intensity of our training regimes.

“They probably work in a different way. We discussed it with Italian Coaches who work abroad and they said players have to be rested on the Friday before a game.

“What does leap straight out at you is that there’s a difference in the consistency of fitness levels throughout the game. In that sense we are behind compared to Spain and as Milan saw last night to Atletico Madrid.

“It requires a deeper analysis to ascertain whether one system of working is better than another.”

Italy were at the Confederations Cup in 2013 and that helped the staff plan for the World Cup.

“In my view the experience we had in Brazil last year will be very useful, as it’s ideal to get a taste of the conditions you’ll be working in.

“All preparation is always evolving, constantly, so ahead of a tournament in extreme conditions like Manaus we have prepared some new elements.

“The tests we will perform in April will be a little more articulate and we’ll introduce two new elements.”

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