Claudio Marchisio was impressed with Spain, but also by Italy’s debutants after a 1-0 result in Madrid.
Claudio Marchisio was impressed with Spain, but also by Italy’s debutants after a 1-0 result in Madrid.
“Spain are always strong and even as the years go by they still bring out more talent from their youth academies, like Thiago Alcantara,” the midfielder told Rai Sport.
“Anyone who faces them at the World Cup will need a great performance. We did well against them at Euro 2012 and in the Confederations Cup, but we know it’s tough.
“We always try to counter their possession and be strong on the attack, which at times we did and created some good chances. It’s something we need to do better than we did tonight.”
Cesare Prandelli said the difference in fitness levels between the sides was “almost embarrassing.” How can Marchisio explain such a gap?
“There are periods over the season where teams are in better shape than others. I expected Spain to play this way on home turf. Some said Spain were on the way down after the Confederations Cup, but I really didn’t see that.
“We will work hard over the next few months to be ready for the tournament, even if we won’t see each other much in that time.”
Marchisio also had kind words for debutants Gabriel Paletta and Ciro Immobile.
“Paletta has a strong character and settled in quickly, but then we do all know each other.
“It was a not remotely simple test against a great team and Paletta immediately moved well with the others in defence.
“I also have to praise Immobile for his performance, as he caused the Spanish defence problems.”
Marchisio was asked about the recent controversy between Juventus” data-scaytid=”28″>Juventus and Prandelli over the decision to call Giorgio Chiellini when not 100 per cent fit.
“When we wear this jersey we think only about Italy. We have so little time to prepare for the World Cup, so we cannot listen to everything that goes on outside.”