Moderate climate of Italy Cup, and fans risk the word "penta"

Azzurra is the only team that can match the number of world titles in Brazil                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Before the premiere of selection against England this Saturday in Manaus, expectations about the team of Italian Cesare Prandelli are moderated, but win fifth world championship in Brazil is a case in which they believe.In the image of the Squadra Azzurra, which always starts sparingly in the World Cup, the mood of the crowd is very quiet even in Italy. In Milan and Florence, for example, almost not seen flags of Italy and in the streets, on newsstands are exposed more shirts of clubs than the selection itself. An example that clubismo sometimes dictated in the crowd by selection in a country characterized by strength and charisma of various regions. Many fans are not thrilled with the entry of Italy in action on Saturday, but Chiara and Amanda, Milan, girlfriends ensure that when the ball rolling on Amazon Arena, the scenario will be totally different. - It is always well before the World Cup, I think the fans never expect much of selection and does not show much enthusiasm at the start of the race. But when they win, come all the world paras the streets with flags, shirts Italy. The staff comes to honk the squares, we are accustomed, says Chiara, student of 15 who will watch games in bars with friends.

Italian Gianluca Farano trust in the potential of Italy and makes the sign of penta hands (Photo: Claudia Garcia)

Flag in the car or on the balcony is something that does not work in Italy. Some supermarkets or street stores put a tricolor flag in the windows, but they are few. The labels of the fashion district of Milan were inspired by the World Cup Brazil to decorate their windows more in shades of green and yellow. Incidentally, the green and yellow of the organizing country has been heavily used in Italy, even more than blue color selection of the country. At least for now. The main Italian cities will have several giant screens with live broadcasts of the matches, but in Milan, for example, will only be placed itself on Saturday, game day. And, as the premiere of Italy against England, is scheduled for midnight, local time, not much is expected stream of fans at the first game. - Saturday I think a lot of people will not walk the streets. The game is late, will be more young people, said the owner of a newsstand in Piazza Castello in Milan, one of the places where you will mount a big screen.  

Shirts Milan, Inter and Juventus side of the uniform of the national team in a shop (Photo: Claudia Garcia)

Friends of Gianluca Naples to Milan and Fabio came as tourists and say pre-World Cup this environment is normal, because the fans are not too thrilled. - I honestly do not really believe in the ultimate victory of Italy. Let's be realistic, Brazil is better than us and Spain remains very strong. There are other teams more prepared, do not know if Prandelli chose the best team players left out that could be useful, said Fabio De La Rocca, a native of Naples. Already friend, Gianluca Farano, the same city, is more optimistic. - I think we can reach the semifinals. It would be a pleasure, but deep down I hope Italy win the penta commented the 20 year old student, risking the pronunciation of the word in Portuguese.

FORMER CHAMPIONS BELIEVE IN PENTA 

The climate of mistrust that lives among the Italian fans is the opposite of that which breathes among Italians with experience on the pitch, ie, the world champions, who have already raised the Cup and marked the history of the Italian national team . 

Dino Zoff, leader and captain of the Azzurri in 1982, also relies on penta (Photo: Getty Images)

The leader and captain of the Azzurri in 1982, Dino Zoff is optimistic about the earnings of men guided by Prandelli. Zoff sees several similarities between this group and the group who eliminated by Brazil 3-2 in the World Cup in Spain in 1982 and then won the title against Germany. - The 82 team was a team full of character, a team fast and I think this Prandelli has similarities, I see a compact group and great personality too -. observed Zoff, in a telephone interview Historical Azzurri keeper said that will not be easy for Italy to win the penta but trust that selection will make a good World Cup. - In recent friendlies, Italy was not good, but did a great qualification and have young players with talent and ambition to make a difference as Immobile and Balotelli , which can be very useful. Brazil is playing in front of his home crowd, it is logical that favorite. Spain and Germany are also good selections, I think Italy will make a good World Cup, let's wait and see - he said. 

Colors and allusions to Brazil are gaining ground in the fashion district in Milan (Photo: Claudia Garcia)

Another already tasted victory in the most important football competition in the world was Fabio Grosso. And that sweet taste proved former side Inter Milan and Juventus. Grosso broke as a substitute in the 2006 World Cup, but was the author of the winning goal against Germany in the semifinals. Was still the man of glory in the final to score the last penalty in the final against France, the decisive penalty that led to delirium million Italians and that Grosso will never forget. In an interview to "Gazzetta dello Sport", now the coach of the team's base Juventus, left a message to players who will start the bank and Italy itself also part of the second line favorite. - The big surprise will be the selection Azzurri. Even speech to the protagonists and the "alternative bookings." No one should feel an alternative to start from the bench. Italy is not a favorite, right? But has the strength of its story and multiplayer experience that can take away from this team, said the former side. Italy debut against England this Saturday at the Arena in Manaus at 19h (GMT). Uruguay and Costa Rica round Group D.