World Cup

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Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Italy concerned about Manaus pitch

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: June 12 2014 | 19:16

Last updated: June 13 2014 | 18:05

Italy Football Federation vice president Demetrio Albertini expresses concern over the state of the Amazonia Arena pitch ahead of their World Cup opener against England.

Italy Football Federation vice president Demetrio Albertini has expressed concern over the state of the pitch at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus.

The Azzurri are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against England in Manaus on Saturday, but pictures emerged yesterday showing that the pitch was in poor condition.

England have sent a representative to inspect the playing surface, and Albertini is hoping that the state of the pitch will not have an adverse effect on the match itself.

"I had heard some news regarding this matter before it was published in the English papers," Albertini told www.figc.it.

"Our delegation has arrived to Manaus and we will shortly know more about the condition of the pitch.

"In any case, it doesn't change anything, it will not be in perfect condition. But this is the World Cup. Of course, to play on an inadequate pitch is never nice, the hope is that this will not damage the show."

Italy will also face Costa Rica and Uruguay in Group D of the World Cup.