Cesare Prandelli admits that his Italy side are ‘not sharp enough yet’ as they prepare to face England on Saturday.

Warm-up matches have failed to provide the kind of preparation the Azzurri were hoping for, with an inability to generate positive results piling pressure on a squad that reached the final of Euro 2012.

Prandelli concedes that there is plenty of room for improvement within his ranks ahead of a World Cup opener in Manaus.

He is, however, convinced that Italy will be ready and that everyone is prepared to give their all for the good of the collective cause.

Prandelli said: “We are not sharp enough yet. We have done the physical work, trained hard and are in good shape. But we know we must improve before we start the tournament against England. We can improve and we will improve.

“Character-wise, the team will not disappoint and we will fight for the shirt and for every ball.”