Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi is confident the national team will not be distracted by the match-fixing controversy when they travel to the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
 
The Azzurri, now coached by Cesare Prandelli, depart for Krakow tomorrow for a Group C campaign which will see them face defending champions Spain, Croatia and Ireland.
 
"It feels as though they are going through the same experience as that of 2006," said Lippi, who guided Italy to World Cup glory in Germany six years ago despite the huge distraction of a match-fixing scandal.
 
"I remember that week in Coverciano (ahead of the tournament in Germany) was not easy for us and there was the fear of what people would have said of us abroad.
 
"But no-one said anything in Germany.
 
"I believe that as soon as the national team travels to Poland, their only thoughts will be on football, on training and on the European Championship."
 
Italy lost 3-0 to Russia in Friday's warm-up friendly in Zurich.

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