Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was concerned by his side's dip in physical condition in the final 20 minutes during the 2-0 win over Ireland, just as it did in their previous two games.
"We had some difficulties in the first minutes, they decided to play the ball on the ground and we messed up in centre midfield," he said.
"Normally we're more careful and wouldn't let them get so far up the pitch but once we found our feet, especially in midfield, we did some good things."
"The quality always shows itself during the game but if we don't play with spirit and heart, it's difficult to win games."
Source: AFP