Daniele De Rossi believes Italy are among a group of teams who could potentially win the World Cup.
The Roma player was speaking at a Press conference this afternoon at the Azzurri’s pre-tournament Coverciano training base.
Daniele De Rossi believes Italy are among a group of teams who could potentially win the World Cup.
The Roma player was speaking at a Press conference this afternoon at the Azzurri’s pre-tournament Coverciano training base.
During the session with the Italian media, the 30-year-old also described his team as a quality outfit and one that enjoys playing under the leadership of Cesare Prandelli.
“This could be described as a national team of quality, because there are so many players to juggle,” De Rossi said.
“The football we have played under this management team has always been enjoyed by these players.
“We have worked a lot on the physical side and that has motivated us, even more so if you want to be a Coach one day. Our preparation has not been done in vain.
“I include Italy among the teams who can win the World Cup or get to the latter stages. Italy has been an expert in the past at negotiating these situations.
“If you don’t start off with the intention of winning it becomes even more difficult to do it.
“In South Africa I was confident too, but then the field of play does the talking and shows you where you are.
“Maybe in South Africa that was all we really were, or if not that a little more.”
De Rossi was then asked about the mood around Italy as the World Cup approaches and the prospect of the Azzurri’s opening Group D match against England in Manaus.
“I can’t remember a European Championship or World Cup where we have seen such enthusiastic crowds, not just for us but for Italian football.
“Of course, it will be a different match to all the others we have had in our careers. We will play in disastrous conditions and we will be against a team with quality and experience. The advantage we can take due to the conditions will be slim.
“England made it difficult for us two years ago, when we only beat them on penalties at the Euros.”