Riccardo Montolivo has outlined the difficult group Italy have at the World Cup and the importance therefore of starting well.
The Azzurri will open their campaign in Group D of the tournament against England on June 14, before six days later facing Costa Rica and then closing out on June 24 against Uruguay.
Riccardo Montolivo has outlined the difficult group Italy have at the World Cup and the importance therefore of starting well.
The Azzurri will open their campaign in Group D of the tournament against England on June 14, before six days later facing Costa Rica and then closing out on June 24 against Uruguay.
“Certainly it is not going to be easy,” Montolivo, who got married yesterday, has told Forza Milan magazine’s latest issue.
“The most delicate game is always the first – we take to the field against England, a direct competitor for passage to the next round.
“In a group of four it could happen that we will finish on level points, and the difference could precisely be in the direct clashes.
“For us it is therefore important to start well. England and Uruguay are two tough teams to face – in my opinion, in the fight for the title immediately after the favourites Spain, Brazil and Germany.
“Then, do not underestimate Costa Rica, an unpredictable outsider, very strong from a physical point of view.
“Who could be the surprise of the World Cup? I hope that the main surprise might just be Italy, who do not start as favourites from the view of predictions.
“I can also consider Belgium and Colombia, two teams with great potential that may achieve something important.”
Italy will be in London on Saturday May 31 to play the Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage in their first warm-up game ahead of the World Cup.
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