Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio admitted Italy’s 2-1 victory over England at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus was made difficult by the torrid playing conditions.
While England rattled the Italians early with a few trying attempts on goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, the Three Lions defence could not stop an un-marked Marchisio as he sent the ball past Joe Hart in the 35th minute on route to the Azzurri’s vital victory.
“At times it seemed we were having hallucinations from how hot it was,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the match.
“However, this team proved to have great character and took home a deserved victory against a very good England.”
He also extended his sympathies towards his club-and-country teammate, Gianluigi Buffon, who missed out on the match due to a sprained ankle.
“I felt sorry for him,” Marchisio admitted; and while he was quick to praise Sirigu as Buffon replacement, it was Buffon on the bench that he ran to hug straight after the goal.
The celebrations will be short lived though as Marchisio stated that despite Italy’s winning performance, the Round of 16 is still not a guarantee.
“The road is still long, now we have to think of Costa Rica who surprisingly beat Uruguay.”
