Cesare Prandelli conceded that Italy were “too slow and took the wrong approach” in their defeat to Costa Rica.

The Azzurri were beaten 1-0 in Recife on Friday, leaving them needing at least a point against Uruguay in order to qualify for the World Cup knockouts.

Cesare Prandelli conceded that Italy were “too slow and took the wrong approach” in their defeat to Costa Rica.

The Azzurri were beaten 1-0 in Recife on Friday, leaving them needing at least a point against Uruguay in order to qualify for the World Cup knockouts.

“The tempo was too slow,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“The game started off badly, as we took the wrong approach from the very beginning. There are no ifs or buts about it.

“Now we have the absolute need to recover physical and psychological energy for the game with Uruguay.

“I am convinced we have an opportunity that we will take to the full. There’s no need to panic, as we have the possibility to qualify for the last 16.”

These two nations clashed a year ago in Brazil for the Confederations Cup, as Italy secured third place with a penalty shoot-out.

“In the Confederations Cup tie we played excellent football for 35 minutes, then it was a more open game. I see it being open again here.

“Perhaps all we needed today was to believe that little bit more than the lads did. Most games are still open to the end, especially when it’s only 1-0, as an incident can change everything.”

Mario Balotelli wasted two great chances in the first half, particularly one on Andrea Pirlo’s ball over the top, but the second period was muted.

“We had a good chance with Balotelli, but you won’t go far with ‘what ifs.’ After the Costa Rican goal, we never had another shot on target.”

Prandelli tried to shake things up by introducing Antonio Cassano, Lorenzo Insigne and Alessio Cerci.

“I will admit I expected more quality with the substitutions and we should’ve given Mario more assists into space.

“We needed to be quicker in getting the ball back and for that you need 10 men hard at work, ruling nobody out. We have few problems, but they are clear ones.”

Costa Rica were expected to be the minnows of Group D, but have already booked their spot in the next round in front of previous World Cup winners Italy, England and Uruguay.

“Costa Rica are not a surprise,” insisted Prandelli. “They are organised with good individuals, as I had told Italian journalists some time ago.

“It was hot out there, but that mustn’t be an excuse. We need to have better control of games. They were more reactive, but if you don’t have that explosive change of pace then you need to make up for it with organisation.”

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