Cesare Prandelli admits “a point is valuable” in Bulgaria after the World Cup qualifying campaign opened with a 2-2 draw.
Italy have never won in the Bulgarian capital, managing only three draws and two defeats.
“A point is valuable, especially as we always have a few problems at the start of the season,” said the Coach in Sofia.
Cesare Prandelli admits “a point is valuable” in Bulgaria after the World Cup qualifying campaign opened with a 2-2 draw.
Italy have never won in the Bulgarian capital, managing only three draws and two defeats.
“A point is valuable, especially as we always have a few problems at the start of the season,” said the Coach in Sofia.
“It’s also a shame, as we had the chance to go 3-1 up three times and would’ve had fewer issues towards the end, taking some of the wind out of Bulgaria’s sails.
“We played below our tempo and were not precise in our passing, but above all we allowed Bulgaria to run at us and were chasing their tempo.”
Italy started with the 3-5-2 system, but switched to four at the back and a diamond midfield when Alessandro Diamanti replaced Emanuele Giaccherini.
“We went with four and at that point Bulgaria were playing a lot down the flanks,” explained Prandelli.
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo bagged a brace, including a huge deflection, but Sebastian Giovinco disappointed.
“Osvaldo and Giovinco did some good things together. We are working on this partnership.”
The Azzurri continue their World Cup qualifiers by welcoming Malta to Modena’s Stadio Braglia on Tuesday evening.
Armenia currently top Group B after tonight's 1-0 win away to Malta. Denmark-Czech Republic is tomorrow.
“Younger players against Malta? Now we’ll see, as we used up a lot of energy tonight and have to consider how many of them recover over the next few days.”