No let-up for Italy, warns Prandelli

Cesare Prandelli warned on Monday that there would be no let-up for Italy in Euro 2012 qualifiers against Serbia and Northern Ireland despite his side having already qualified for the finals. Italy have booked their spot for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine next year as Group C winners but both their opponents are still in contention for second place and a spot in the play-offs. "These are not friendlies but official matches. We have to play our best and respect fair play," Prandelli said at the team's training base on the outskirts of Florence. Prandelli has opted not to switch around his squad apart from 2006 World Cup-winning Juventus centre-back Andrea Barzagli making his return after three years, along with Atalanta midfielder Luca Cigarini, who was last called up in October 2010 but did not play. "To change the balance wouldn't suit, it's better to maintain a certain continuity," explained Prandelli. "In Belgrade (on Friday) against Serbia it will be a beautiful match. We're going to try and play our game. As it won't be 'necessary' to get points to qualify, we don't have to calculate." He added that Napoli defenders Paolo Cannavaro and Hugo Campagnaro would not necessarily be part of his future plans despite shining for the Serie A side. "It's a question of good sense," said Prandelli. "I don't have much time to work. We have to get used to playing with a four-man defence to give us a sense of security. "Unfortunately that doesn't work in favour of Cannavaro and Campagnaro, who have played for the past two or three years as a three." Italy host Northern Ireland in Pescara on Tuesday.

Source: AFP