Cape Town - Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Costa Rica will pose a
serious threat to their World Cup challenge at Arena Pernambuco on
Friday.
The two teams clash for the first time in World Cup history in Recife, having both come off wins in their respective Group D openers last week.
The Azzurri ran out to victors over England on June 14, while Ticos impressed in a 3-1 success against Uruguay earlier in the day to top the group.
Prandelli felt that Jorge Luis Pinto's side were deserved winners against La Celeste and is expecting them to cause problems for the four-time World Cup winners.
He told a news conference ahead of the tie: "When, back in Italy, I was being asked about England and Uruguay, I said we had to watch out for Costa Rica.
They are a very well organised, rounded squad who have a style of play that they know off by heart.
"They have three players up front with great quality, including [Joel] Campbell - a modern attacker who also has a good shot from distance. They deserved to beat Uruguay, and it's going to be a very difficult game for us."
Prandelli also admits the sultry conditions could come into play and is hoping the players will be allowed a fews breathers during the match.
He said: "Timeouts should always be included, no matter what. Today at 13.00 there were 29 degrees and 57 percent humidity. After 20 minutes, there were 40 degrees and over 70 percent humidity.
"But we knew that we'd find this kind of climate, and we're ready for it. There are going to be games like this one in which we're going to have to suffer, but we have got to look for another win."
The two teams clash for the first time in World Cup history in Recife, having both come off wins in their respective Group D openers last week.
The Azzurri ran out to victors over England on June 14, while Ticos impressed in a 3-1 success against Uruguay earlier in the day to top the group.
Prandelli felt that Jorge Luis Pinto's side were deserved winners against La Celeste and is expecting them to cause problems for the four-time World Cup winners.
He told a news conference ahead of the tie: "When, back in Italy, I was being asked about England and Uruguay, I said we had to watch out for Costa Rica.
They are a very well organised, rounded squad who have a style of play that they know off by heart.
"They have three players up front with great quality, including [Joel] Campbell - a modern attacker who also has a good shot from distance. They deserved to beat Uruguay, and it's going to be a very difficult game for us."
Prandelli also admits the sultry conditions could come into play and is hoping the players will be allowed a fews breathers during the match.
He said: "Timeouts should always be included, no matter what. Today at 13.00 there were 29 degrees and 57 percent humidity. After 20 minutes, there were 40 degrees and over 70 percent humidity.
"But we knew that we'd find this kind of climate, and we're ready for it. There are going to be games like this one in which we're going to have to suffer, but we have got to look for another win."