Italy manager Prandelli has eyes on the prize... the plane to Brazil

ITALY could secure qualification for the World Cup finals in Brazil as early as Tuesday night.

By Chris Douglas/Published 8th September 2013

Italy's Alberto Gilardino celebrates after scoring during the 2014 World Cup Group B qualifying match between Italy and Bulgaria

 

Friday night’s 1-0 victory over Bulgaria means victory over the Czech Republic at the Juventus Stadium in Turin will ensure their place in Brazil.

But boss Cesare Prandelli isn’t relaxing just yet as his squad is troubled by injuries.

Prandelli said: “We’ll obviously try to get as many players as possible back to fitness.

“The Czechs are also gambling their last chips, so I warn you all it is not going to be a walk in the park.

“We’re fired up”

Cesare Prandelli

“But we’ll give it our all too. We’re fired up.”
The Azzurri boss was keen to praise the contribution of veteran keeper Gigi Buffon for the victory over Bulgaria in Palermo.

Alberto Gilardino (pictured) scored the decisive goal but Prandelli said: “Gigi saved the result with an extraordinary performance.

“But considering our injuries, everyone gave as much as they could.