Gennaro Gattuso has explained why he sees Brazil as ‘a step ahead of everyone else’ at the World Cup, and who Italy will be relying on to do well.
The Azzurri fly out to Rio tonight to begin the final week of preparations ahead of kicking off their campaign in Brazil against England on June 14 in Manaus.
Gennaro Gattuso has explained why he sees Brazil as ‘a step ahead of everyone else’ at the World Cup, and who Italy will be relying on to do well.
The Azzurri fly out to Rio tonight to begin the final week of preparations ahead of kicking off their campaign in Brazil against England on June 14 in Manaus.
However, for one of the party involved in the 2006 World Cup win in Germany, the tournament hosts are his pick for success this summer.
“I believe that the Brazil side is a step ahead of everyone else,” Gattuso has explained to Sky Sport Italia today.
“They have something more thanks to the environmental conditions and they showed this in the Confederations Cup.
“Moreover, they can count on the Brazilian public, who will be highly charged as always.
“Behind them I see Germany, who in these competitions always come forward. They have strong individuals and play well as a squad.
“Finally I would consider Argentina.”
On Italy, Gattuso believes the veterans will be important to tournament progress.
“The Azzurri have to rely on the experience of Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Gigi Buffon.
“They have already lived through the experience of a World Cup and were involved, together with myself, in the Azzurri’s great victory of 2006.
“I however, will be at home this time, with the trumpet in hand to cheer on our players.”