Andrea Barzagli insists Italy’s ageing team does not fear England youngsters, but gave clues on Daniele De Rossi’s role.

“The heat will certainly affect both teams, young or old,” said 33-year-old Barzagli in a Press conference.

Andrea Barzagli insists Italy’s ageing team does not fear England youngsters, but gave clues on Daniele De Rossi’s role.

“The heat will certainly affect both teams, young or old,” said 33-year-old Barzagli in a Press conference.

“We prepared well with this ‘Manaus Hut’ at Coverciano. The conditions will be difficult, but if you want to play at this level then you have to be ready for anything.

“We will experience difficulties in the humidity, but so will England.”

The Nazionale trained in a specially-constructed sauna in Italy, which they nicknamed the ‘Manaus Hut.’

Italy also have young figures, as Mattia De Sciglio and Matteo Darmian are expected to start as full-backs.

“Our full-backs are bringing a lot of energy, hunger and also maturity, despite being such young players in their first World Cups and going into the starting XI. There is pressure, but they are also proving their character and maturity.”

Roma’s De Rossi is due to take a deeper role in the midfield, almost as a sweeper in front of the defence, but Barzagli warns it isn’t a fixed position.

“De Rossi’s position was studied, but it depends on how the game develops and he doesn’t always have to go deep to help the defence. It depends on how we are attacked, otherwise there’s no sense in Daniele going deep.

“We know England are strong in the air, so we have to be wary of corners and free kicks. We are also aware that little details like this can make the difference in a World Cup, so we cannot get those wrong.”

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