Cesare Prandelli has insisted that he wants his Italy side to attack in the World Cup.
The Azzurri have been criticised of late for their poor defensive record and conceded seven goals in their last four matches, against Denmark, Armenia, Germany and Nigeria, all of which ended in draws.
“We must maintain the idea of quality football in midfield, but this Italy was born to attack. If we don’t, then we’re a team like any other,” he told ANSA.
“For the World Cup I’d prefer a team that risks to the end rather than sit back and protect a slender lead.”
The 56-year-old also bemoaned the fact that preparation time with the squad is limited.
“It’s better than nothing. I will have seven days to work on the field, but little more,” he said. “I hope to have two brief get-togethers a month away from the end of the season, just for fitness tests.
“The fixture list is too packed, there are too many interests in play and too little interest in favour of the Nazionale. And yet, we represent Italy in the world.”
“At the Confederations Cup in Brazil we opened up our hotel to families and children with a very good response. I will talk about it with the players and define what the approach should be. After all, they are the ones who need to stay calm.
“Families close to the players help to calm the tension. It will be a logistically complicated World Cup, much like USA ’94, so I’ll ask Arrigo Sacchi for advice.”
