Ignazio Abate believes Italy are not among the favourites to win this summer’s World Cup, but are still well placed.
The Azzurri today took part in their second training session since their arrival in Brazil and the defender praised the preparation work his team have done thus far.
Ignazio Abate believes Italy are not among the favourites to win this summer’s World Cup, but are still well placed.
The Azzurri today took part in their second training session since their arrival in Brazil and the defender praised the preparation work his team have done thus far.
“We did great work at Coverciano, tiring work,” Abate told a Press conference today. “We worked a lot, so I think we will arrive and start [the tournament] in the best conditions.
“Without doubt the favourites are Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Germany. We start a little below that level, but there are a lot of teams who could be a revelation.
“Against Luxembourg in the last half hour we were hit on the break four or five times, but for 60-70 minutes the team did very well. We need to analyse the types of goal we have been conceding.”
27-year-old Abate also believes his team’s experiences at last summer’s Confederations Cup will stand them in good stead for their upcoming campaign.
“To get to the latter stages of this World Cup we need to be ready for everything and adapt to everything. I think the experience we had at the Confederations Cup can be a small advantage.”