Cesare Prandelli has reiterated where he saw Italy’s World Cup campaign fail, as he looks to Germany’s example.
The 56-year-old resigned his post as CT this summer after seeing the Azzurri drop out of the 2014 World Cup at the group stages following defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Cesare Prandelli has reiterated where he saw Italy’s World Cup campaign fail, as he looks to Germany’s example.
The 56-year-old resigned his post as CT this summer after seeing the Azzurri drop out of the 2014 World Cup at the group stages following defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Considering the exit, it was put to the Coach today that it was a humiliation, and he has not disagreed.
“It is also a humiliation in seeing our Italy struggle in all areas, unfortunately. It is the project that did not work,” Prandelli has told the Corriere della Sera in a lengthy interview.
“We thought to play in a certain way and we did not succeed. We thought we would embarrass Costa Rica and we did not.
“We had Cerci, Insigne, Cassano, Balotelli, four strikers who in the League had shown their value. We were unable to create a chance at goal and were caught offside 12 times.
“I put on those four and thought to win the game. And again, I failed.
“This was the technical project and it has failed. The responsibility is mine. The League gave me directions and I tried to follow them.
“I thought, with quality people in the field, we would easily find movement and depth with the wingers.
“With Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi the squad had demonstrated a good identity. After the injuries, we had to change it.”
Prandelli, who also spoke strongly against accusations he ‘escaped from Italy’ after the World Cup, reflected on where competition winners Germany got things right.
“Germany, when they were in difficulty, wondered – what is our most important team?
“They did not answer ‘Bayern’ or ‘Dortmund’, they answered ‘Germany’. And everyone started to serve the needs of the country.
“Italian teams play with 38 per cent Italians. Juve have six foreign starters. ‘Focus on the youth sectors!’ they say. But what if they are full of foreigners? What are we talking about?
“Our football needs to be reviewed. Again, we have to start with a question – what is the most important team in Italy? It’s not Inter, nor Juventus, Roma, Fiorentina or Milan.
“It is the national team. That is the only way to arrive prepared for the biggest events.”