Striker Mario Balotelli feels Group D rivals England will be no match for Italy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Milan striker could lead the line for Cesare Prandelli s side when the nations meet in Manaus on June 14 for their World Cup opener.
In what will be Balotelli s first outing at the tournament, he dismissed any chance of England winning the competition or posing a threat to Italy.
The former Manchester City man believes that Italy have more experience among their squad and the capability to spring a surprise in South America.
I don t look at England as a team that can win the World Cup, The Daily Mail quotes him as saying.
They have some good players, but they are no real rivals for Italy.
I am not saying that Italy are favourites, but we have the mentality and experienced players to surprise people — I don t think England have that.
Four-time winners Italy will also contest Group D with Uruguay and Costa Rica as they seek to overcome the disappointment of 2010 where they bowed out at the pool stage without a win.
With many of the current squad crowned world champions in Germany four years earlier, Balotelli feels their experience could give them an extra advantage against Roy Hodgson s men.
We have players who have won the World Cup, he explained.
I don t think England have a player who knows what it is like to play past the quarter-final.
