Thursday, 13th June, 2013
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has explained that the Azzurri cannot underestimate 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico, who they go head-to-head with in the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday.
Cesare Prandelli’s side recorded a 2-2 draw against Haiti in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday in an international friendly. Their sights are now set on the Confederations Cup, starting this Saturday in Brazil.
Chiellini also stated that his side must prepare well and remain at their best throughout the tournament.
“Mexico are not going through a great time and their qualification for the World Cup is at risk, but that doesn’t change anything for us”, the Juventus player was quoted as saying by Bold.
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“They have players who can make the difference, even if they are not well-known. We must prepare at our best and rediscover that style of football that stood us in good stead the last three years.”
The 28-year-old insists that it is vital to start well in the tournament and Italy must improve from their show in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa – where they were knocked out in the group stages.
“It’s important in these tournaments to start well and this Italy must not be like the one in the South African Confederations Cup.”
Prandelli’s side currently stand eighth in the FIFA world rankings. They are grouped in the tournament alongside Mexico, Japan and hosts Brazil.
Italy have won the FIFA World Cup four times – in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006.
They were also runners-up in the European Championship last year.
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