Italy coach Cesare Prandelli does not expect captain Gianluigi Buffon to be distracted by his off-field issues after it emerged that the goalkeeper has split from his wife Alena Seredova.

The Azzurri, who will face England, Uruguay and Costa Rica in the group phase of the World Cup, began their tournament preparations on Tuesday.

"I was surprised by his statement," the Daily Mail quotes Prandelli as saying. "I'm sorry, because whenever there's a separation it's upsetting for everyone, but the serenity with which he made the announcement leads to believe that he's mentally ready for this event."

Buffon married Seredova three years ago and the couple have two sons together.