Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto has admitted that he is aware of the damage that Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo can cause to his team.
The Costa Ricans claimed a surprise 3-1 win against Uruguay in their opening World Cup match and will face the Azzurri in their second Group D fixture later today in Recife.
Pinto says that he is most concerned about the threat that is posed by Pirlo, but has also identified Antonio Candreva and Daniele De Rossi as Italy's key players.
"If Pirlo is okay, he is going to be a problem because of his positioning and his skills with the free kicks," he told reporters.
"Pirlo is the most important Italian player along with Candreva and De Rossi."
Pirlo has scored 13 goals in his 108 appearances for Italy.
