Prandelli upset after loss to Ireland

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is not taking Tuesday’s friendly defeat to the Republic of Ireland lightly.

The Azzurri lost 2-0 in Liege, bringing their nine-match unbeaten run to an abrupt end.

Prandelli, who made numerous changes to the team that beat Estonia 3-0 in last Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier, told reporters: “We have to reflect on this defeat. We lacked many things such as intensity and depth.

“We reacted late and once you are behind it is difficult to bounce back. These are important games and hence, it is a must to reflect on what went wrong.

“We had problems in attack and we were slow moving forward.”

Prandelli believes that Tuesday’s defeat, his second since losing to the Ivory Coast on his coaching debut back in August, will not hinder the Azzurri.

Italy are unbeaten in Euro 2012 qualifying and lead Group C with a five-point advantage over Slovenia.

“We have done so many positive things in qualifying,” Prandelli said.

“We have taken important results. We have shown character and quality. I’m not worried. If we had to lose a game, it was better to do it in a friendly against (former Italy and current Ireland coach Giovanni) Trapattoni.”

Italy travel next to the Faroe Islands on September 2.