Italy concerned about Manaus pitch

Italy Football Federation vice president Demetrio Albertini has expressed concern over the state of the pitch at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus.

The Azzurri are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against England in Manaus on Saturday, but pictures emerged yesterday showing that the pitch was in poor condition.

England have sent a representative to inspect the playing surface, and Albertini is hoping that the state of the pitch will not have an adverse effect on the match itself.

"I had heard some news regarding this matter before it was published in the English papers," Albertini told www.figc.it.

"Our delegation has arrived to Manaus and we will shortly know more about the condition of the pitch.

"In any case, it doesn't change anything, it will not be in perfect condition. But this is the World Cup. Of course, to play on an inadequate pitch is never nice, the hope is that this will not damage the show."

Italy will also face Costa Rica and Uruguay in Group D of the World Cup.