Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli says tomorrow’s World Cup opener against England will not be decisive regardless of the result.
The two nations go head-to-head in Manaus with each looking to make a real statement of intent from the off in Brazil.
Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli says tomorrow’s World Cup opener against England will not be decisive regardless of the result.
The two nations go head-to-head in Manaus with each looking to make a real statement of intent from the off in Brazil.
However, the 56-year-old tactician pointed to history as evidence that all is not lost should the Azzurri taste defeat against Roy Hodgson’s team.
“The history of the World Cup tells us that the first matches are never decisive, like at USA ’94 or South Africa 2010 when Spain won it having lost at the start to Switzerland,” Prandelli explained.
“It’s true however that they are important in that they give you great strength if you get a positive result.
“Our feelings are great, we have worked in a way that means we will be ready physically and mentally.”