Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio promised the side that switched off against Haiti in midweek would be totally focused during the Confederations Cup.
The Azzurri slipped to a surprise 2-2 draw against Haiti in a friendly organised to boost earthquake relief on the Caribbean island, sending a jolt of anxiety through the Italy camp ahead of a tough meeting with Mexico today.
But Marchisio assured fans his colleagues mean business in a tournament typically treated like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals.
He told reporters: “I believe you will see a different Italy on Sunday (today) against Mexico in our opening match.
“Everybody thinks the Confederations Cup is just a warm-up tournament and that’s partly true, but you have to remember that not everybody will get to play in the World Cup.
“That’s why we want to have a good tournament here.
“There are always doubts about the national side and unfortunately we let ourselves down in the final six minutes against Haiti and conceded two goals.
“But I’m sure that will act as a motivating factor on the pitch against Mexico and we will see a different team out there.”
Italy are struggling for numbers in attack at the Maracana, with Mario Balotelli joining fellow Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy on the sidelines with a muscle injury.
Reports in Italy yesterday said Marchisio’s Juventus team-mate Emanuele Giaccherini may be a surprise starter against Mexico.
“I never thought I’d get to play at the Maracana, as it’s one of the temples of football, but when I step on to the field I’ll only be thinking about the match,” Giaccherini was quoted as saying.
“I am in good shape and hope to prove that here. I’m happy to be at the disposal of the coach.
“Those of us who are less experienced look to Andrea Pirlo and Gigi Buffon, as they give us great confidence and a huge step-up in quality.”
Mexico struggle
Mexico have also struggled through recent games.
In fact, they drew eight of their last nine international matches and scored just once in their last four competitive outings to sit a worrying third in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group standings.
El Tricolor coach Jose Manuel de la Torre is likely to use Giovani dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez as a three-pronged attack against an Italian defence that has proved to be vulnerable.