Cesare Prandelli has praised his Italy players and expects Tuesday's trip to Ukraine to be a 'real match' not a friendly.
Italy have prepared well ahead of their encounter in Kiev, recording a 1-0 victory against Slovenia in Ljubljana.
They remain top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group with a six-point lead on the chasing pack.
"I have seen a motivated group. There is the desire to play," Prandelli said.
Cesare Prandelli has praised his Italy players and expects Tuesday's trip to Ukraine to be a 'real match' not a friendly.
Italy have prepared well ahead of their encounter in Kiev, recording a 1-0 victory against Slovenia in Ljubljana.
They remain top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group with a six-point lead on the chasing pack.
"I have seen a motivated group. There is the desire to play," Prandelli said.
"We must erase the word friendly. I expect a real game. I want to see more running and penetration with respect to Friday.
"I expect the team to build from the back.
"Giuseppe Rossi is in a moment of great serenity. I want the same personality from him that he has shown in training and with Villarreal."
Prandelli then gave his reaction to the news that Mario Balotelli was caught throwing darts towards youth players at Manchester City's training ground on Sunday.
"I don't know the details of the darts incident and I am not going to go into it a lot. If he really said that he was bored, the next time he can call me and speak about other things… It's clear that everyone is responsible for their own behaviour.
"I want responsible players in the Italian national team. It will be on the pitch where I will understand if Mario is ready for this adventure with us.
"What he does off the pitch influences what he does on it. This way he only hurts himself."