Striker Mario Balotelli feels Group D rivals England will
be no match for Italy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Milan striker could lead the line for Cesare
Prandelli's side when the nations meet in Manaus on June 14 for their World Cup
opener.
In what will be Balotelli's first outing at the
tournament, he dismissed any chance of England winning the competition or
posing a threat to Italy.
The former Manchester City man believes that Italy have
more experience among their squad and the capability to spring a surprise in
South America.
"I don't look at England as a team that can win the
World Cup," The Daily Mail quotes him as saying.
"They have some good players, but they are no real
rivals for Italy.
"I am not saying that Italy are favourites, but we
have the mentality and experienced players to surprise people — I don't think
England have that."
Four-time winners Italy will also contest Group D with
Uruguay and Costa Rica as they seek to overcome the disappointment of 2010 -
where they bowed out at the pool stage without a win.
With many of the current squad crowned world champions in
Germany four years earlier, Balotelli feels their experience could give them an
extra advantage against Roy Hodgson's men.
"We have players who have won the World Cup,"
he explained.
"I don't think England have a player who knows what
it is like to play past the quarter-final."
Culled from Soccerway
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