Former Italy international Giancarlo Antognoni believes the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Spain will want to avoid the Azzurri at this summer’s World Cup.
The 60 year-old, who was part of the Italy team that won the competition in 1982, also hailed veteran Gianluigi Buffon and believes Francesco Totti should be selected.
“Prandelli has just renewed his contract,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Cesare has an ambitious project in mind.
“We can be among the top four teams at the World Cup. Have you seen Buffon? He never gets old, he’s like Dino Zoff!
“He phenomenal. The defence is strong, in midfield with have other great older players like Pirlo and others of international class.
“We must hope for two things. The growth of Balotelli and the recovery of Rossi, the champion who can make the difference.
“I can guarantee that the likes of Brazil, Spain and Argentina will want to face us as late on in the tournament as possible.
“Brazil is also waiting for Totti. He’s like wine, the older he gets the better he gets!”
