Cesare Prandelli insists Italy “have no fear” of England, but is increasingly frustrated by injuries, including Gigi Buffon.

Cesare Prandelli insists Italy “have no fear” of England, but is increasingly frustrated by injuries, including Gigi Buffon.

The Azzurri begin their World Cup campaign in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT).

“The sensations are excellent,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

“We worked in a targeted manner to reach this appointment ready not just physically, but also mentally.

“History teaches us the first game is never decisive in a World Cup, as for example Spain lost to Switzerland in South Africa only to then go on to win the title.

“Of course these matches are important for the three points, but also the extraordinary strength a positive result can give to the team.

“I hope we will surprise for our ability to be in the game, at all times, and to allow the quality of our more technical players to emerge.

“England have four attacking players who are very good at taking men on one-on-one. We must do well to attack the space and keep the lines close.

“I have faith in our young players and if they are at the World Cup it’s because they deserved to be here. I am convinced they’ll be up to the task.

“Andrea Pirlo and Steven Gerrard? They are players who represented their national team for a decade and are reference points for all youngsters.”

It has been a difficult build-up, as Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi were ruled out by injury, then Mattia De Sciglio picked up a muscular problem.

In last night’s training session on the Manaus turf, Buffon sprained his ankle and is in doubt to feature.

“It was a slight ankle sprain and he is undergoing treatment,” said Prandelli. “Maybe we ought to get ourselves blessed…”

Prandelli hinted at using Antonio Cassano, Ciro Immobile or Lorenzo Insigne in the second half to bring fresh legs in the humidity of Manaus.

“The World Cup makes your heart beat faster, but we must be sharp to use our strategies. It’ll be very unlikely we will end this match the same way we started it. This is why, believe me, in a tournament played in such extreme conditions there will truly be room for everyone to shine.”

Italy knocked England out of Euro 2012 on their way to the Final, so does Prandelli feel the pressure to repeat that success?

“For four years this Nazionale have been travelling the world and feeling this sense of responsibility. Clearly at a World Cup everything is more amplified, but we’ll know how to honour our jerseys. We have no fear.”

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