FIGC Vice-President Demetrio Albertini is confident “Italy will be mentally and physically prepared for Euro 2012” despite a 3-0 defeat to Russia.

FIGC Vice-President Demetrio Albertini is confident “Italy will be mentally and physically prepared for Euro 2012” despite a 3-0 defeat to Russia.

“If I have to analyse the game, then I think the result came from the final stages, as until that point both teams had chances. It’s normal Russia are a little more advanced in terms of training, as our final players joined in a few days ago,” he said of the Friday night friendly in Zurich.

“If we take away the result, which is certainly heavy, then you can see Italy had plenty of scoring opportunities too.”

This is their heaviest defeat since the 3-0 to Brazil in the 2009 Confederations Cup and many suggest the betting scandal took its toll on the squad.

“It’s easy to say after a 3-0 defeat how much this week’s distractions made an impact, but our players have the character to face the future calmly. I am sure we will be mentally and physically prepared for Euro 2012.

“Should we be worried? We should always be worried, as that is the only healthy way to go into a tournament, because it gives you that determination to do better.

“Any professional of this sport knows there will be wins, losses, praise and criticism, but we also have time to make up for it and start our Euros on the right foot. Of course there are regrets at conceding three goals, but from tomorrow we’ll work on improving.”

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