Cesare Prandelli: 'Costa Rica tougher than England'

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has said that Costa Rica, and not England, are his side's "toughest opponents" at next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.

The Azzurri have been drawn alongside the Three Lions, the Central Americans and Uruguay in Group D.

"There are three champions of the world in our group but we are not worried - I am not worried," the Irish Independent quotes him as saying.

"When the media tell you it's an easy group, that's when you have to worry. I'm only worried about the conditions because no matter who you are up against, you're going to have to deal with the weather.

"Our toughest opponents? Costa Rica, because we do not know a lot about them."

Italy will take on England in Manaus on June 15.