Italian legend Sandro Mazzola accepts the national side have problems, but he wouldn’t be surprised by a semi-final spot at Euro 2012.
The Azzurri played their only competition warm-up game against Russia on Friday night and were beaten 3-0 in Switzerland.
“You have to consider the climate in which the Zurich game was played,” the former Inter player told La Domenica Sportiva.
Italian legend Sandro Mazzola accepts the national side have problems, but he wouldn’t be surprised by a semi-final spot at Euro 2012.
The Azzurri played their only competition warm-up game against Russia on Friday night and were beaten 3-0 in Switzerland.
“You have to consider the climate in which the Zurich game was played,” the former Inter player told La Domenica Sportiva.
“The national side were probably influenced by everything which has affected them in the build up, although they didn’t look right physically.
“They only created two scoring opportunities in the whole game and the defence was un-watchable…”
Boss Cesare Prandelli fielded 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3 systems against Russia, but there are now suggestions he may use a Juventus style 3-5-2.
“I think Andrea Pirlo would probably be able to do more in a five-man midfield,” Mazzola continued. “Despite what we saw against Russia, Italy can get into the last four.”
The Azzurri will start their campaign on Sunday when they host World and European champions Spain.
“I think it is a positive that we will be playing Spain first,” Mazzola commented. “We will have nothing to lose and it will be a good occasion to prove what the real Italy are capable of.”