Italy’s national team manager Cesare Prandelli has expressed his confidence that the European nation will be able to lift the World Cup title for a record equalling fifth time. Italy have been one of the strongest teams in the World Cup and they most recently lifted the title back in 2006 under the management of Marcelo Lippi. Prandelli’s claims have been backed by former AC Milan star Roberto Donadoni, who has been doing a stellar job as the manager of Parma. Italy have come a long way since the team won its last World Cup.
Prandelli has managed to replace most of the ageing players with the young and fresh talent, who have helped the team make it into the final of the Euro 2012. Donadoni says that the team has enough technical and physical quality to be able to win the World Cup another time. Brazil and Spain go into the competition as the favourites. Brazil are the host nation and the current record holder with five titles, while Spain have won the last three major tournaments. Donadoni also says that Italy has slowly shed the image of playing defensive football.
Under the management of Prandelli, they have been transformed into a clinical attacking team, which can win titles.
“It could happen. Obviously it won’t be easy, but I think it’s possible. Italy have definitely got the potential and technical ability to go all the way. It’s all going to depend on the form the players are in at the end of a long season. I think it’s really great to see. I know Cesare Prandelli well, having played alongside him at Atalanta. He has a huge amount of experience and I share his vision of football. It’s a vision that’s helped him get good results,” said the Parma boss.