28th June, 2012
Coach Joachim Löw may have betrayed his confidence by saying that Germany “can beat any team in the world” but Italy coach, Cesare Prandelli, has belief and history, on his side for tonight’s semi-final match in the Euro 2012.
Prandelli boasted that Italy are ready “physically and mentally” following Sunday’s shoot-out success against England.
While Germany have swaggered into the last four, it would appear on the surface that Italy have rather ground their way here after winning just once outright. However, the Azzurri have one of the tournament’s great entertainers themselves, in the form of midfield general, Andrea Pirlo, with Löw describing him as “not just a very good player, he’s the one who directs the game”.
Prandelli had no qualms in outlining where he thought his side could wrest the initiative from Germany.
“We’ve got one of the best midfields in European football – we have flair, technical ability and a physical presence,” he said. “Germany will press high up the pitch and we’re ready for this and need to keep the ball to counter it.”
Prandelli admires Germany for “changing their approach a decade ago and now seeing the benefits” and has tried to engender something of a new attitude with Italy. It is the only way his team will be successful, he insists. “We’re very calm and keen to put into practice everything I’ve been working on in training. We can’t just sit deep – we’ve worked on this for two years. I think it would be lacking in maturity to change now.”