Italy coach Cesare Prandelli described Tuesday's opponents Czech Republic as "one of the best teams in the world" ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash in Turin on Tuesday.
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Italy can secure their passage to next year's finals in Brazil if they beat the Czechs while a draw would also be good enough if Bulgaria fail to win away to Malta.
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But Prandelli is not taking Tuesday's opponents lightly, even though they come into the match off the back of a humbling home defeat to group outsiders Armenia.
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"The Czech Republic have one of the best midfields in the world with a lot of creativity, a great ability to attack spaces and they can play several systems: the diamond formation, two withdrawn forwards or with very wide midfielders," said the former Roma and Fiorentina coach.
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"I'm not being polite but that's what we analysed by watching their last few matches.
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"For 35 minutes against Armenia three days ago (a 2-1 reverse), their build-up play was excellent, they just lacked a bit of luck in front of goal.
The coach is undisputedly correct because Czech Republic is definately dope when it comes to football. Kudos to them....