Nine Italy players 'forced to downgrade to economy class on flight to Brazil'

Nine players of Italy's World Cup squad were reportedly forced to downgrade to economy class during their flight to Brazil on Thursday.

The Azzurri, who will face England in Group D, were told by attendants on the Alitalia flight that there were not enough seats in business class to hold the entire squad heading to Rio.

According to the Daily Mail, Ciro Immobile, Alessio Cerci, Matteo Darmian, Mattia Perin, Antonio Mirante, Lorenzo Insigne, Mattia De Sciglio, Andrea Ranocchia and Marco Parolo were sent to economy class for the 12-hour flight.

After arriving in Rio, Italy travelled to their training base in Mangaratiba.