England boss Roy Hodgson believes Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is still the man who needs watching most when the two nations meet in the World Cup opener in June.
The Juventus midfielder put in a man-of-the-match performance as Italy knocked Hodgson’s Three Lions out of EURO 2012 two years ago.
Having worked with a young Pirlo during his spell in charge of Inter Milan, Hodgson is well aware of the 34-year-old’s abilities in the middle of the park.
Italy star Andrea Pirlo in action against England in EURO 2012
And when pushed on who he thinks makes Italy tick ahead of their game in Manaus on 14 June, Hodgson was left in no doubt about his choice.
"We have respect for everyone but if I have to give a name, I say Pirlo," he admitted.
"In the last ten years, he has made Italy play. I had him for three months at Inter and he has had an incredible career."
Hodgson has taken on old friend Cesare Prandelli twice during his time in charge of England, losing on penalties in the Euros before beating them in a friendly game in Switzerland a few months later.
But the World Cup encounter will be a new challenge and Hodgson is approaching the game with an open mind and is expecting a tough match.
"Italy are very strong," he told Italian broadcaster Mediaset.
Watch highlights from England's 2-1 win over Italy in 2012
"Prandelli has done a great job in the last four years and I believe the Italian team has grown during this time.
"But are England defeated before we start the World Cup?
"Perhaps that's how people in Italy see us, but the game has to be played and then we shall see.
"I never think of being defeated before a game, I always think of winning."
With the clash scheduled to take place in the sweltering conditions of the Amazonian city of Manaus, Hodgson believes his squad’s preparations in Florida before travelling onto Brazil will put them in good shape for the game.
But he also believes the conditions will be tricky for any non-South American nation, including fellow Europeans Italy.
"We will do like any other team that will play in Manaus, which has a special climate," he said.
"We are doing everything possible to prepare the players in order to deal with these conditions.
"It's not the best situation for us but neither is it for Italy. I don't think right now this even represents an advantage for any South American side."
