Cesare Prandelli has promised fans that they will see the "Italy of Euro 2012" against Armenia.

The Azzurri sit top of Group B with four points from their opening two games and make the trip to Yerevan for their third World Cup qualifier tonight.

"I am absolutely certain that from tonight against Armenia the fans will again see the Italy of Euro 2012," Prandelli told RAI Sport.

"I did not need to fire up the lads or motivate them, as they were already charged up by themselves with particularly intense training sessions. I have always said the Azzurri jersey has that power to regenerate players who have been criticised."

Prandelli also hinted that Mario Balotelli still has to prove he is worthy of a place in his starting lineup.

"He is a player who has to prove every day what he is worth," he added. "In a certain sense, the exams never end for him."

Italy reached the final of Euro 2012, losing 4-0 to Spain.

Written by
Michael Penkman