Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has suggested that he is ready for the World Cup and that Italy can go far in the competition.
The 34 year old veteran recently opened the scoring for the Bianconeri in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon at the Juventus Stadium that saw his side beat the Les Gones 2-1 on the night.
Pirlo gave an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport addressing Italy’s squad for the World Cup and their chances at the grandest competition on the international stage.
“We are ready for the World Cup and we have it in us go far in the competition,” the midfielder stated.
“We know that we are placed in a difficult group but I think people are worrying too much. After the 2012 EURO we did really well in the Confederations Cup and also impressed in the World Cup qualifying group.
“We have struggled in friendlies but there was the need to take a breather with the new players settling in. I love the atmosphere in Brazil and I was treated well. I am proud to acknowledge the welcome I was given at the Maracanà.
“Does our team depend on Mario Balotelli? In a way, yes. But, we are all important to the cause.
“Mario is old enough now so he does not need advice any more. He just needs to focus on finding his form in the summer, concentrate on the football and leave the rest alone.”
