Soccer: Prandelli says team will give country 'sign of hope'

'National inspiration for change' says Italy coach

(ANSA) - Mangaratiba, June 6 - Italian national soccer team coach Cesare Prandelli said Friday he has "great optimism" about his players' performance in the World Cup championship. “I think of the work we have done and what we have to do," he told his first news conference after arriving in Brazil, "my state of mind becomes enchanted by very great optimism". "We have to become a team and be daring on the pitch," he added.

"Right now many people compare the national side to those who have to give a sign of change," Prandelli said in an apparent reference to the government of Premier Matteo Renzi. "We have a further responsibility - to show how when Italians are in difficulty they know how to make a team and see hope. And also - why not? - to be better than the others," said Prandelli.