World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Claudio Marchisio claims he had hallucinations during the game due to the heat

By Sam Hughes, Reporter

Published: June 15 2014 | 09:42

Last updated: June 15 2014 | 19:28

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio claims that he experienced hallucinations due to the heat during the 2-1 win over England on Saturday.

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has revealed that he experienced hallucinations due to the heat during his side's 2-1 win over England on Saturday.

The conditions for the game at the Arena Amazonia were a major talking point in the build-up, and the Juventus midfielder has highlighted the difficulty for the players.

Marchisio, who opened the scoring with a fine strike from distance, praised the character of the Azzurri to deal with the conditions and gain a vital three points.

"It was important to get the victory, especially on a day when playing football in this humidity was frankly difficult," Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia.

"In certain moments I felt like I had hallucinations due to the heat.

"However, this team showed it has great character, as we resisted in the final minutes and brought home a deserved win against a good England side."

Marchisio has earned 46 caps for Italy since making his debut in 2009.