Andrea Barzagli plays down Manaus heat

Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has played down the role the conditions will have during his side's World Cup opener against England on Sunday.

Both sides are expected to struggle with the soaring heat and humidity in the Arena Amazonia, while the state of the pitch has also come under scrutiny recently.

However, Barzagli believes that his side have prepared for the conditions well and insists that neither team will simply settle for a draw.

"I think the heat will condition both teams. We have prepared quite well. The conditions will be difficult but if you want to play at this level you need to be ready for everything," Barzagli is quoted as saying by PA.

"It will create adversity for us as just as it will for them. We cannot forget that this game could already be crucial in terms of the group. Hence the climate could impact the game but I don't think either side will plan to settle for a draw.

"We've had an update stating that the pitch will not be in peak condition. But I think they will do all that they can to make it decent."

Uruguay and Costa Rica make up Group D, and they will also face off in their opening match of the tournament on Saturday.