Giorgio Chiellini believes both Italy and England are different teams compared to those that faced each other at Euro 2012.
The European Championship quarter-final between the sides two years ago finished goalless after extra-time, with the Azzurri winning on penalties.
Giorgio Chiellini believes both Italy and England are different teams compared to those that faced each other at Euro 2012.
The European Championship quarter-final between the sides two years ago finished goalless after extra-time, with the Azzurri winning on penalties.
However, Cesare Prandelli’s men dominated much of the encounter and the Juventus” data-scaytid=”6″>Juventus defender believes the match represented one of their best performances under the present Coach.
“In Kiev we played one of the best matches we have played,” Chiellini told a Press conference today.
“Over these two years we have both [teams] changed, we are rejuvenated, but I think the identity remains the same.
“They have brought a group on, a Liverpool contingent, who have done very well.
“Maybe as individuals they have changed more compared to us, but their way of playing remains the same.
“It will be a tough match, they have great individual players like Rooney and Gerrard. Certainly, the weather factor will also be very important.
“Everyone has been scared of this Manaus so we are curious to see what it’s like to play there.”
The experienced defender also spoke about the feeling within the Azzurri camp as they prepare to face Roy Hodgson’s team again in next Saturday’s World Cup Group D opener.
“It’s already been two weeks that we’ve been working hard. There is still a week to go before the match, we are all looking to prepare as well as we can.
“As soon as we’d finished playing against Luxembourg we couldn’t wait to come to Brazil, so we could finally breathe the World Cup air.
“There will be a bit of adaptation to the heat and temperature, but we will be ready for next Saturday.
“Everything has been prepared in the best way possible. We thank the local population and those people who do so much to help us and are never recognised.”