Italy will get better, says Prandelli

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes his side can still improve despite a comfortable 3-0 win over Estonia in Euro 2012 qualifying on Friday.

The Azzurri top the standings in Group C for next year’s tournament after the straightforward win at the Stadio Alberto Braglia in Modena.

They are five points clear of Slovenia, who have played one game more, and eight points ahead of third-placed Serbia.

Prandelli said there was still room for improvement, despite a better than expected start.

“I am extremely satisfied but it’s not done yet,” Prandelli said. “We have not yet qualified.”

“The team has maintained a high level of concentration throughout the game.”

“We are growing in self-confidence and we are convinced that we are a group with good quality. But we can still improve.”

First-half goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano set Italy on their way before substitute Giampaolo Pazzini sealed the win.

Prandelli said he underlined the importance of staying calm to his players, against an opponent that sits fourth in their group.

“Obviously we have quality players who can push up between the lines and this is a good system to use against a defence like Estonia’s,” he said.

“I told the lads it all depends on us and our enthusiasm. We need to have the calm to put in the right quality.”

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who played a full game in the victory, said the players were enjoying the 4-3-1-2 system implemented by Prandelli and they hoped to edge closer to world champions Spain because of it.

“There are many quality midfielders who can start the moves, so we can rotate our positions. It’s a new way of playing for us and we’re really enjoying our football,” Pirlo said.

“The coach has a lot to choose from and we are ready for anything. He has already given us a very positive mentality during this year together. We really want to play football and entertain the fans.”

Italy face the Republic of Ireland in a friendly clash on Tuesday.