Prandelli pleased with Azzurri

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes his side showed spirit in overcoming the dismissal of Pablo Osvaldo to beat Denmark 3-1 at the San Siro.

Two goals in the space of five minutes from Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele De Rossi had Gli Azzurri 2-0 up, although Denmark got a goal back in first-half stoppage time through William Kvist Jorgensen. Then, just 18 seconds into the second half, Osvaldo was shown red for violent conduct after an incident involving Denmark's Nicolai Stokholm.

However, Mario Balotelli, making his first appearance for Italy since UEFA EURO 2012, fired in a third in the 54th minute to put the result beyond doubt. The win saw Italy move four points clear at the top of Group B, and Prandelli could find few faults with his team's performance.

"We had some initial difficulties, but then we began to play some good football and we deserved the two goals," he told the Italian Football Federation's website. "We used up a lot of energy playing a man down, but I saw a great spirit in the ten still out there and we fought with determination and order.

"And for this, I have to congratulate the lads. We are now a bit more relaxed about our position in the group but we have to improve a lot."

It was a happy return to the San Siro for former Inter Milan striker Balotelli.

"I was hoping to win this game," he said. "We took the lead but things then became a little complicated when they scored at the end of the first half. My goal was instinct. I just tried to anticipate the goalkeeper. It's always special to play at the San Siro. It's a great stadium and gives you great emotions."

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Prandelli: De Rossi punishment will serve him well

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said on Monday that his dropping of experienced midfielder Daniele De Rossi for Wednesday's friendly with France for being sent off at the weekend would teach him a lesson.

The AS Roma star, 29, was punished by Prandelli for punching Lazio captain Stefano Mauri in the face during the Rome derby on Sunday, which Lazio won 3-2.

"This punishment will help him not to repeat such errors at the World Cup," said Prandelli. "I have no anxiety regarding De Rossi with regard to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil."

De Rossi, who will miss the next three Serie A games because of the resulting suspension handed down by the disciplinary commission, has been in hot water before.

He was banned for four games during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ finals for elbowing USA striker Brian McBride, but he was able to return for the final, which the Italians won in a penalty shootout over France.

"He [De Rossi] is too committed," said Prandelli. "When you put too much responsibility on yourself you lose your head. He must find a balance."

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Prandelli: We weren't at our best

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli admitted his side were far from their best as they laboured to a FIFA World Cup™ qualifying win over minnows Malta.

The UEFA EURO 2012 finalists claimed an unconvincing 2-0 win in the Group B clash in in Modena as they struggled to build on their opening draw with Bulgaria.

The goals came from Mattia Destro early in the game and Federico Peluso at the death.

"In the second half we did better, playing with more discipline and creating more space. At the moment we are not brilliant, September is always a difficult month," Prandelli said on the Italian Football Federation's official website.

Roma striker Destro scored his first senior international goal to open the scoring after five minutes.

"In Bulgaria I was not able to score, even though I had two chances and I was hoping to score today," he said. "For an attacker is easy to play with team-mates who can create chances. We played against a team who were difficult to break down.

"I congratulate Malta, who played a great game and made it difficult for us."

Peluso, the Atalanta defender, also scored his first goal for Italy and described the match as one he would "always remember."

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