Daniele de Rossi... ‘strong one’.

Italy are heading into the World Cup with the same mindset as the team that triumphed against all odds in the 2006 tournament in Germany, according to former Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi.

“The two years of qualifying count for nothing and the same goes for the warm-up stage – what only counts is how you come to this game and with who you arrive,” Lippi said yesterday.

“The only things that matter are the condition of form and the self-belief.

“I went to bid farewell to the national team at Coverciano and I perceived a compactness and unity of purpose.

“Psychologically, this group is close to that of Germany. Then, a lot depends on luck, from the episodes to the initial game.

“Eight years ago, in Coverciano, a mess broke out (Calciopoli) and people asked us what we were doing at the World Cup. Then we started to play and win.

“You have to have confidence. To worry is natural, because there are opponents. Starting with England.

“But we are stronger. History teaches us. We need to feel surrounded, so we build a fort and barricade ourselves inside.

“If we are calm and peaceful we can suffer disappointment, if (we are uncomfortable) then we have always done important things.”

Lippi also gave his views on the options available to Prandelli.

“Modern teams should have two or three ways to play and, from time to time, depending on the opposition, you must take the most appropriate solutions.

“In Germany I focused on Daniele De Rossi, who was 20 years old and talented. With the strong ones you do not have to map it out.

“Pirlo? Andrea is one of our three great champions. And he is a champion as well because he wants to win, not to participate.

“The role of De Rossi lined up in front of the defence is a further guarantee. No, we must not be afraid.

“Balotelli or Immobile? Prandelli will not let slip the opportunity to use Immobile.

“The fact that he may not be a starter does not mean that he cannot be a protagonist.

“There will be many games.”