Italy defender Ignazio Abate has warned his teammates that England "could be the revelation" of the World Cup.

The Azzurri get their Group D campaign underway on Saturday when they face the Three Lions in Manaus.

While it has been claimed that reaching the quarter-finals would represent a good tournament for England, Abate believes that Roy Hodgson's side could go much further.

"England have changed a lot, they have created a good mix and they could be the revelation of this World Cup," the right-back is quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

"It will be a very difficult match, but I am convinced we will arrive in the best physical and mental condition. I think we need to erase what has been done previously and start again with great humility."

Italy's last appearance at the World Cup saw them fail to get beyond the group stage in 2010.

Written by
Jack Prescott