Italy defender Ignazio Abate has insisted that his side are comfortable with being considered as slight underdogs heading into the World Cup.

Cesare Prandelli's side have drawn criticism ahead of the tournament following their failure to beat Luxembourg and the Republic of Ireland in their warm-up matches.

Abate is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "At the Euros we started with a lot of scepticism, no one bet a Euro on us, but then we got to the final thanks to our desire to surprise.

"That should be the task in the World Cup too. We can't think we are a great team who can play within itself or wait for an individual to come up with the goods.

"As long as we don't lose our humility and willingness to make sacrifices, we can cause anyone problems."

Italy face England in their World Cup opener on Saturday.