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')

Andrea Barzagli: 'Juventus bond huge help to Italy'

By Joe Fish, Reporter

Published: June 13 2014 | 14:38

Last updated: June 14 2014 | 09:05

Italy defender Andrea Barzagli believes that the familiarity between the Juventus contingent of the Azzurri squad could be their biggest weapon at the World Cup.

Andrea Barzagli has admitted that the familiarity between the Juventus contingent in the Italy squad could prove to be their biggest weapon at the World Cup.

Half of the Azzurri's starting XI for their opening game of the tournament against England on Saturday are likely to be representatives from the Turin outfit, who stormed to the Serie A title last season by a 17-point margin.

Defender Barzagli, 33, is one of Cesare Prandelli's Juve stars, and he feels that the bond that he and his Old Lady teammates have will more than counter the loss of several experienced faces.

He told reporters: "This is our most important weapon. It's always easier to play with players you already know.

"In 2006 we had players with more international experience. This makes a difference. But the will to win is the same."

Barzagli is expected to start at centre-back for Italy against the Three Lions in Manaus, and could be joined in the lineup by club colleagues such as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.