Prandelli looking forward to facing “three champions of the world”.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has insisted that he is “not worried” after it was revealed which teams he would face in the World Cup group stages.
The Azzurri have been paired with Uruguay, England and Costa Rica in Group D, after they were moved into Pot B during the draw ceremony.
In contrast, the former Fiorentina coach did reveal that he was concerned about the location of the group games, with Italy set to play in Manaus, Recife and Natal.
“There are three champions of the world,” he told reporters, according to Football Italia. “But we are not worried – I am not worried.
“When the media tell you it’s an easy group, that’s when you have to worry.”
Italy most recently faced England at Euro 2012 where they secured a penalty shoot-out win to advance beyond Roy Hodgson’s men before losing out to Spain in the final.
However, Prandelli was buoyed by the experience that the Azzurri obtained earlier this year during the Confederations Cup where they faced Uruguay and ended the tournament with a third-placed finish.
“I’m only worried about the conditions because no matter who you are up against, you’re going to have to deal with the weather.
“We’ve already played in the Cofederations Cup though, so we know what it’s like to play in these conditions.
“Our toughest opponent? Costa Rica, because we do not know a lot about them.”
Italy will face England in their group opener on June 14, before facing Costa Rica on June 20 and ending the group phase against Uruguay on June 24.
The four-time World Champions were in impressive form this past summer, and will be amongst the contenders for the title. Nevertheless, it is arguably one of the more difficult groups and it remains to be seen whether or not they can progress.
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