Giovanni Trapattoni said Cesare Prandelli’s World Cup choices were “fully convincing. We have a good team.”
The former Azzurri and Republic of Ireland boss spoke to La Notizia as training for the tournament began today.
Giovanni Trapattoni said Cesare Prandelli’s World Cup choices were “fully convincing. We have a good team.”
The former Azzurri and Republic of Ireland boss spoke to La Notizia as training for the tournament began today.
“Italy have a good team, a real unit. As always, we’re not among the favourites, but I am confident we’ll improve as time goes on,” said Trapattoni.
“If we get past the group phase, which won’t be easy, then we can go all the way. We might not be spectacular, but we are clinical.”
Prandelli ran into criticism for some of his decisions, such as leaving out Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino and Domenico Criscito.
“I found Cesare’s choices to be fully convincing. He called players of experience and valuable youngsters like Mattia Destro and Alessio Cerci, who proved over the course of the season that they deserved the Azzurri jersey.”
Il Trap was Italy Coach at the 2002 World Cup, which saw them crash out to South Korea on a golden goal.
“The most wonderful moment was certainly qualification for the World Cup. When you achieve an objective like that, the emotions are difficult to describe. You truly feel proud to be Italian.”