How do you feel about Italy’s group opponents in Germany – the Czech Republic, the USA and Ghana?
We’ve been drawn in a very hard group, maybe the toughest of the lot. Although we were seeded for the Final Draw in Leipzig in December, two of our opponents – the Czech Republic and the USA – have since overtaken us in the FIFA World Ranking, and Ghana is the most rapidly improving team in Africa. We certainly won’t be falling into the trap of underestimating our opponents. Only a few of their players are with top European clubs, so they will go into the World Cup less tired and highly motivated. The 2002 World Cup and EURO 2004 undoubtedly showed that the traditional powers at national team level – be that Italy, Germany, England, France or Spain – were often hindered because their top players were physically and psychologically drained after a long, arduous season with their clubs. That’s why I’m delighted that FIFA have decided to end the league season a week earlier than planned so that players have a full week’s rest. With Lazio, Milan and Italy, you have played in the final of e
