Fabio Grosso believes that Italy will be the biggest surprise at the World Cup in Brazil this summer and thinks the less experienced players could prove to be useful in the country’s quest for success.
The Azzurri will be beginning their run in this year’s tournament against England on Saturday and the 36-year-old feels Italy’s veteran players, along with the country’s history in the competition, could act as an advantage for the underestimated side.
Grosso spoke to the Gazzetta dello Sport about the Italian national team’s chances of doing well at the World Cup and admitted that they’re capable of surprising their opponents.
“According to me, the real surprise at the tournament will be Italy,” said the Juventus Primavera coach, who won the 2006 World Cup with the Azzurri.
“Italy are not among the favourites to win, but they have the strength of their history and the experience of several seasoned players, which is a boost that some of the favoured teams don’t have.
“I don’t want to hear about the inexperience of some of the Italian players. Because, how many times had I played before my World Cup experience? There is a first time for everything and my story teaches that a debut can bring out a certain energy, not a handicap.”
