Rome, Oct 17 (IANS) Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli said he would like to see his side not be seeded in the World Cup draw.
Italy could have secured the top seed status provided they had won one of their last two World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, they earned two 2-2 draws, reports Xinhua.
They now have to wait for the results of South American World Cup qualifiers to see if they will have the chance to be to seeded. The current seven out of eight seeds are Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Colombia and Switzerland.
“We aren’t seeds? It’s better that way. I prefer humility and concentration straight away to excessive dreams. I am not frightened by the risk of meeting Brazil or Spain straight away. In fact, look at how it went for us at Euro 2012,” Prandelli said Wednesday.
Italy were in the same group as eventual winners Spain in that tournament and reached the final.
Prandelli also called for his side to support Mario Balotelli, who is being troubled by controversies.
“We have all realised that Balotelli is crucial if we want to go beyond our limits. We must get even closer to him because the last few days have been very difficult for him,” he said.