The wait is over!   Italy are now ready to play their 2014 FIFA World Cup opening game against England on Saturday 14 June 2014 at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus, Brazil.

Italy Head Coach Cesare Prandelli can smile again referring to the talk of playing in a bad pitch: “We were told it would be in a terrible condition but that wasn’t the case.”

The press conference was focused around the clash against England.  Steven Gerrard said that England are the better side. “Everybody has the right to their own opinion, but we have prepared well and we want to win. We have no fear.”

Spain’s defeat against Holland did not impress Prandelli too much: “I don’t think they’re out just yet. They dominated the first half, the second half was completely different though. I think we will see more ‘games of two halves’ during this World Cup.”

Prandelli still expects one of thing from his team: “I want my team to play and remain concentrated for the whole 90 minutes. There might be some surprises in the closing stages of games, even against big teams.”

Antonio Candreva is excited about his World Cup debut: “The match against England will be the most important of my career. It will be very emotional. I thought the conditions of the pitch would have bene worse.”

FIGC President Giancarlo Abete, FIGC General Manager Antonello Valentini, National Amateur League (LND) President and FIGC Vice President Carlo Tavecchio were at the press conference too.