Cesare Prandelli admits he “didn't expect to be this far ahead at this stage” as Italy went five points clear in Euro 2012 qualifying.
“I am absolutely satisfied. We kept concentrated, played well and I'm happy,” he said of the 3-0 victory over Estonia.
The result means with six games played the Azzurri are on 16 points compared to Slovenia (11 points in seven games after tonight's 2-0 win away to the Faroe Islands), Serbia on eight and Estonia remain on seven.
Cesare Prandelli admits he “didn't expect to be this far ahead at this stage” as Italy went five points clear in Euro 2012 qualifying.
“I am absolutely satisfied. We kept concentrated, played well and I'm happy,” he said of the 3-0 victory over Estonia.
The result means with six games played the Azzurri are on 16 points compared to Slovenia (11 points in seven games after tonight's 2-0 win away to the Faroe Islands), Serbia on eight and Estonia remain on seven.
“In all honesty I didn't expect to be this far ahead at this stage, but let us stay calm, because it's not over yet,” continued the Coach on RAI.
“Qualification isn't certain yet, but our self-belief is improving and we need the courage to play with the ball to feet, because we can do even better.”
The 4-3-1-2 system with no recognised centre-forwards, until Giampaolo Pazzini came off the bench to score the third goal, worked very well with Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi also on target.
“Obviously we have quality players who can push up between the lines and this is a good system to use against a defence like Estonia's.
“I told the lads it all depends on us and our enthusiasm. We need to have the calm to put in the right quality.”