World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 16, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Italy
3-1
Denmark

Montolivo, de Rossi, Balotelli

Denmark manager Morten Olsen fears quality of top Italian players

By Liam Power, Reporter

Published: October 16 2012 | 01:14

Last updated: October 16 2012 | 08:55

Morten Olsen admits that Denmark are wary of Italian trio Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier at the San Siro.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen has identified Italy's key players and admitted that he fears their quality ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifiers.

Olsen believes that his side must prevent Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi from playing to their potential to have a chance of picking up a result in the San Siro.

Italy top the group after making a strong start to the campaign while Denmark have failed to win in their opening two matches, making the trip to Italy all the more daunting.

Olsen told reporters at the pre-match press conference that he has factored the Azzurri's strengths into his preparations.

He said: "Pirlo is certainly an important player, but we have prepared ourselves in an effort to limit all of Italy and that is not just Pirlo.

"As for Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi, they're great talents and I fear them."

The Danes will look to striker Nicklas Bendtner for goals in Milan, with the forward fresh having not started a game for new club Juventus so far this season.