Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has issued a warning to England ahead of the World Cup clash between the two nations on Saturday.

The Juventus veteran said that the Azzurri have done their homework on the Three Lions, and know exactly how to defeat them.

"We know England are a great team who have improved a lot with new, young players coming in. They have good runners, but we know how to face them and have been studying England over the last few days," The Mirror quotes Pirlo as saying.

"Italy have always had great games against England, as we have a different approach to the sport, so we'll give our all in our own style."

Pirlo, 35, is expected to retire from international football after the World Cup.