Manuel Pasqual reveals how Italy trained for the conditions in Manaus and believes they’ll beat England 4-3.
The Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”3″>Fiorentina captain spoke to Radio Deejay today, having been cut from the World Cup squad’s final list of 23.
Manuel Pasqual reveals how Italy trained for the conditions in Manaus and believes they’ll beat England 4-3.
The Fiorentina captain spoke to Radio Deejay today, having been cut from the World Cup squad’s final list of 23.
“The experience of training for the World Cup at Coverciano was above all exhausting, seeing as we trained in this hut to prepare for the humid temperatures in Brazil,” said Pasqual, referring to the makeshift sauna constructed by medical staff.
“It’s just that while we were running around in those conditions, we learned there was an incredible storm in Manaus…
“I have gone through tougher training sessions in my career, but those conditions were so difficult because you really struggled to breathe.”
Pasqual will not be taking part in the World Cup, but is still keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
“I won’t go to Brazil with the Nazionale, but at least I’ll be in South America with Fiorentina for our summer tour.
“I hope that Italy will be the surprise of the World Cup, so hopefully the big disappointments will be England or Uruguay! That way we can top the group.
“How will Italy-England end? 4-3.”
Pasqual tipped his Fiorentina teammate, Colombian international Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, to make his mark.
“I believe Cuadrado is going to be the revelation of the tournament in Brazil. He is also very likeable and is on such good form.”
The Viola defender also spilled the beans on some of his Italy teammates.
“The most likeable in the Azzurri camp is Antonio Cassano, the most cultured Andrea Pirlo and the most shy is Mattia Destro. Giuseppe Rossi is always late, as his body is still on New York time…
“Our best player is Pirlo, but Mario Balotelli could surpass him because he has such physical and technical capabilities.”