Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has blasted his side's performance in their 2-2 draw against Armenia as "embarrassing".

The Italians were held to a surprise draw in their final World Cup qualifying campaign, but still progressed to next year's tournament in Brazil at the top of Group B.

"We started really badly with an embarrassing opening 20 minutes," Prandelli told Rai Sport.

"I saw players who never gave up and that was a positive sign. I told the lads they had to play good football and that now the World Cup campaign begins, so I'll judge every single game.

"We qualified for the Euros and World Cup without defeat. Clearly these last games make you think it won't take much to win, but the truth is you need great concentration and grit."

Elsewhere in Group B, Denmark finished second, while Malta propped up the mini-league with three points.

Written by
Paul Gorst