Prandelli: ‘Italy not going home’

Cesare Prandelli has claimed that Italy have not thought about returning home, despite rumours that the Confederations Cup could be cancelled.

Cesare Prandelli has claimed that Italy have not thought about returning home, despite rumours that the Confederations Cup could be cancelled.

The eight-team event in Brazil has been played in the backdrop of protests from people unhappy with the government’s funding of the competition, next year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

But the Azzurri boss has insisted that the team are fully focused on the match against the hosts on Saturday in Salvador.

“We are not thinking about returning home,” he told a Press conference. “Last night we were forbidden to leave the hotel.

“But that was purely as a precaution. There is a bit of concern though.

“We are not planning to go home.

“We will try to limit Brazil's space. We have to have personality if we are to try and cause them trouble.

“The goal for tomorrow night is to play with courage.

“It is a big motivation to play against Brazil. We are absolutely not thinking of [a semi-final] against Spain.”