Steven Gerrard claims England “are a better team,” but Cesare Prandelli assures “we prepared in minute detail.”
Gigi Buffon and Salvatore Sirigu are carrying injuries, so Mattia Perin could potentially earn his first cap against England.
Brazil legend Rivelino warns Italy and England “it’s absurd to play in Manaus. You start sweating the moment you leave the locker room.”
Antonio Candreva admits tonight’s World Cup game with England is “without doubt the most important moment of my career.”
Uruguay Coach Oscar Washington Tabarez said he’ll rest Luis Suarez for their World Cup opener against Costa Rica.
There is rain expected in Manaus for tonight’s Italy match against England with 89 per cent humidity.
Cesare Prandelli insists Italy “have no fear” of England, but is increasingly frustrated by injuries, including Gigi Buffon.
Massimiliano Allegri gave Mario Balotelli advice on how to play as lone striker for Italy against England.
Emanuele Giaccherini thinks Italy will beat England 2-1 tonight, but “both teams could potentially win the World Cup.”
Ex-Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio believes “Italy should fear” England’s tactics and would start Ciro Immobile.
England manager Roy Hodgson assures Danny Welbeck is fit to face Italy tonight, but it’s “one of my toughest team selections.”
Gigi Buffon suffered a “slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment” ahead of tonight’s World Cup opener against England.
England Coach Roy Hodgson wants his team’s performances at this summer’s World Cup to make the country proud.
Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli says tomorrow’s World Cup opener against England will not be decisive regardless of the result.
England captain Steven Gerrard has praised Three Lions Coach Roy Hodgson’s bravery and hopes his team can reward it.
Former Manchester City assistant Angelo Gregucci believes that there will be ‘no surprises’ in England’s XI tomorrow.
Cesare Prandelli has reiterated Giorgio Chiellini’s comments that Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon are ‘essential’ to Italy.
Giorgio Chiellini has conceded that Italy need to take ‘good care’ of Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo.
Antonio Mirante is on his way home from Brazil, but believes that Italy can do well at the World Cup.
Fabio Grosso has backed Cesare Prandelli’s words that every Italy player will have a role to play at this World Cup.
Italy will later today fly out to Manaus ahead of final preparations for their opening World Cup fixture against England.
Italy’s players will reportedly be given a cooling hand as part of their World Cup preparations, to combat weight loss in the Brazilian heat.
Marcello Lippi says he sees a ‘psychological similarity’ between Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad and his that won the 2006 World Cup.
Daniel Osvaldo said he’s “happy not to be involved in this farce” after Brazil’s controversial win over Croatia.
Mattia De Sciglio will miss the England game, but remain in Brazil with Italy’s World Cup squad after a muscular injury.