Cesare Prandelli hopes to “unite Italy” with his World Cup selections and welcomes family into the Azzurri camp.
Cesare Prandelli hopes to “unite Italy” with his World Cup selections and welcomes family into the Azzurri camp.
The Italy Coach has been lambasted by the agents of players such as Domenico Criscito, Alberto Gilardino, Daniel Osvaldo and Cristian Ledesma for his picks.
“At home we try to talk about other things, even if inevitably the conversation drifts back to the World Cup,” Prandelli told Ansa news agency.
“We manage to joke about it and experience the lead-up in a balanced way. My friends advise me to play this or that player, depending on the city they live in…
“I hope that I can unite Italy! I’m well aware my choices will only be considered correct if the results are positive. It’s nothing new.”
Prandelli has some plans to lower the tension around the Azzurri squad, as family will be allowed into the training camp in Brazil.
“It is a novelty that I think will do the group good. The harmony and presence of children help to calm the tension.
“When we suggested this new approach, the organisation side of things went crazy, but then they realised there weren’t all these problems to deal with. It will lead to happy moments.”
However, Prandelli is not in favour of total freedom, as he will place limitations on the use of Twitter during the tournament.
“On Tuesday the first point of order will be discussing social networks. I hope the players will decide on a common approach. I like for the team to be involved in decisions like this and take on some of the responsibility. I am sure they will maintain their promises.”
The tension in Brazil is not just around players, as protests continue in the streets against what people claim is a waste of money to host the World Cup.
“I am worried about the protests in Brazil, as there is too much disparity between those who are comfortable and those in terrible conditions.
“The organisation will lock squads away from all this, but as we did in 2013 during the Confederations Cup, we will watch what is happening on TV. We’re aware of what is happening in the country and I say if a million people are taking to the streets in order to protest, there must be a reason.”