As soon as the Italian team landed in Manaus, the day before their opener against England, Cesare Prandelli released some final statements. Italy’s coach told:
"The sensations are great, we worked focusing on arriving ready both physically and mentally to this appointment."
Prandelli's sensations are great ahead of the clash with England
As to the Italian manager’s opinion on Balotelli, the boss stated:
“As I do with every player, I ask Mario [Balotelli] to play with purpose and honesty.”
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Prandelli then talked about the importance of the first game. Many believe the first game to be of enormous importance, yet former Fiorentina coach revealed:
History teaches us that the first games are never decisive, as it happened during the World Cup in the United States, or as it happened with Spain in South Africa, where they ended up winning the title, but lost their first game to Switzerland.”
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Italy’s manager then talked about England, warning that the team has 4 players who are extremely good offensively, especially when left one-versus-one. Ultimately though, Prandelli reminded:
“It’s been four years that whenever Italy plays all over the world, it does so with a sense of responsibility. Clearly, during a World Cup everything is amplified. We will be able to honor at our best this shirt.”
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