World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has revealed the level of expectation on the Italian squad by declaring that they must reach at least the semi-finals in Brazil.
Four years on from South Africa when Marcelo Lippi’s side failed to win a single group game and finished bottom of a group containing Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, there is a new sense of confidence in the Italian squad.
Manager Cesare Prandelli confidently predicted that his side could reach the final and it seems anything other than a last four berth would be a major disappointment.
“The World Cup is an incredible tournament and you have to be ready. I hope that we can achieve something good because we are Italian and we need to arrive in the semi-finals as a minimum,” declared Cannavaro during a Nike event in Dubai.
But having been drawn in a group with England and Uruguay – both of whom have ambitions of making the latter stages of the tournament – simply advancing to the knockout stages will requite a huge effort from Italy.
With the Azzuri traditionally starting slowly in tournaments, Cannavaro has warned that this simply cannot happen in Brazil.
“We can’t make a mistake in our first game against England. If we lose then it will be tough as we have to play Uruguay in the final game and they have many great players like Cavani and Suarez,” explained the 40-year-old.
“But we have a good coach and he can transmit just how important that first game is.”
Fabio Cannavaro at the Nike 'Winner Stays' tournament in Dubai.
The senior figures in Italy’s squad will also be stressing the importance of the first game against England, with Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi all expected to make the final 23.
The vastly experienced trio played all appeared in the 2006 final alongside Cannvaro as Italy overcame France on penalties to win the World Cup for a fourth time.
However, Cannavaro believes the key player for Italy this time around will be Fiorentina striker Giuseppi Rossi.
The former Manchester United forward has been ravaged with injuries since late 2011 but should be fit for Brazil after coming back from his latest setback at the start of May.
“I think Rossi can make the difference as he’s worked hard in the last two years to make the World Cup. He has speed and is a very good player,” added Cannavaro.
While Cannavaro dreams of seeing the Italian side replicate the success of 2006 he admits that “Brazil and Spain” will be the favourites in South America.
But who would he like to see lift the trophy at the spectacular Estadio do Maracana.
“I hope maybe for Argentina,” admits Cannvaro with a mischievous grin. “It would be nice they could win the World Cup in Brazil, wouldn’t it?”
