Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has admitted that he "didn't want" to face Spain in an international friendly this week.

Prandelli's side clash with the European and world Champions on Wednesday evening, but Prandelli is "convinced" that they will also meet in the World Cup this summer.

"I didn't want to play this friendly because, I'm convinced, we will meet them in the World Cup three months from now and the results could cause undue criticism of this team," he told reporters.

"In Italy, because of the way we are, the result counts for so much. If we win on Wednesday, everyone will think that we're already in the semifinals of the World Cup! If we lose, it'll be a disaster.

"Of course, if we draw it will have served no purpose."

Italy lost 4-0 to Spain in the final of Euro 2012.

Written by
Matt Law