World Cup

[monks data]

International Friendlies

Nov 15, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Italy
1-1
Germany

Abate (28')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Hummels (8')

Cesare Prandelli demands defensive improvement

By Liam Power, Reporter | 16 November 2013

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli identifies defending from set pieces as the main weakness in their 1-1 draw with Germany at the San Siro last night.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has conceded that the Azzurri need a rethink on their defensive strategy from set pieces following last night's showpiece friendly with Germany.

The World Cup contenders shared a 1-1 draw at the San Siro, with Ignazio Abate cancelling out an early header from Mats Hummels.

Prandelli insisted that Italy gave a good account of themselves against a Germany side he rates highly, but criticised the slack marking that allowed Hummels to open the scoring from close range.

He told Rai Sport: "In my view we played a good game. We suffered a little with their passing, as they played without strikers so it was tough at the start to figure out how to approach them.

"It was a corner [Germany's goal] and clearly we have to improve a lot, especially on set plays.

"Germany are one of the strongest sides in the world. If we think that we're the best and can dominate Germany, then we're wrong."

The Azzurri will now switch to London ahead of their next friendly international, against Nigeria at Craven Cottage on Monday night.