Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek believes his side will be particularly inspired against “football super-power” Italy.
The teams go head-to-head in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday evening in Ljubljana.
“These challenges really motivate teams, so bring on Italy,” said the manager.
“We know that we are hosting a side that has won the World Cup four times and I'd call them a football super-power in terms of tradition and world class players.”
Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek believes his side will be particularly inspired against “football super-power” Italy.
The teams go head-to-head in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday evening in Ljubljana.
“These challenges really motivate teams, so bring on Italy,” said the manager.
“We know that we are hosting a side that has won the World Cup four times and I'd call them a football super-power in terms of tradition and world class players.”
The Azzurri are still rebuilding after their 2010 World Cup debacle and changing under Coach Cesare Prandelli.
“They did badly in South Africa, but Italy's reputation remains very strong. We're going into a very difficult game, where we cannot afford to make any mistakes and must play aggressively.”