Giancarlo Abete describes the World Cup as ‘an opportunity and a challenging test’ for Italy, who he does not list among the tournament favourites.
The Azzurri are into the first week of training in preparation for the summer tournament in Brazil and the Italian Football Federation’s President has considered their chances.
Giancarlo Abete describes the World Cup as ‘an opportunity and a challenging test’ for Italy, who he does not list among the tournament favourites.
The Azzurri are into the first week of training in preparation for the summer tournament in Brazil and the Italian Football Federation’s President has considered their chances.
“The World Cup is a fierce competition and there national teams that have done better than us,” Abete has told reporters this week.
“I am talking about the FIFA ranking and also the results for Spain, besides the fact that in South America, no team that was not from South America has ever won it.
“Brazil are the favourites because they are playing at home, then Argentina, Germany and Spain – these are the national sides that are all at a superior level.
“For us, the World Cup is an opportunity as well as a challenging test on the technical side. We know that we will have to create a team.
“It is not the individuality that will allow you to win the World Cup, it has never been like that. We have always done well with the ability of the team.”
Abete also discussed Parma’s ongoing appeal against the FIGC’s decision not to award them a UEFA License due to an unpaid tax bill.
“There should be time for Parma to appeal before May 22, then I think there will be opportunities for the Federation and for Torino, if they are to be recognised as an interested party, to make a rebuttal by May 24.
“Then on May 28 there will be the decision of the High Court.”