Claudio Marchisio expects "difficult" England test

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has expressed his belief that England will pose a "difficult" test for his side in their World Cup opener on June 14.

The two teams will face each other in the stifling heat of Manaus just two years after the Azzurri ousted the Three Lions via a penalty shootout in the second round of Euro 2012.

Despite Italy not being able to break England down in normal time on that occasion they were the better team on the day, but Marchisio is expecting a different challenge from Roy Hodgson's new-look side on Saturday.

"I think we'll meet a different England to Euro 2012," Marchisio told reporters.

"It will be a very difficult match. The meetings with England are always great clashes. They have changed a lot of players. The players have played very well in their clubs - but we have changed as well."

The Azzurri have gone seven international matches without a win in the build-up to the World Cup, with their only victory since September coming against club side Fluminense on Sunday.