Friday, 18th April, 2014
England manager Roy Hodgson has singled out Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo as the biggest threat during their World Cup opener in June.
The two sides have been drawn together in Group D along with Uruguay and Costa Rica.
Hodgson is familiar with the 34-year-old's skills and capabilities, having managed Inter Milan and being a keen student of the game.
With the competition expected to be tough, Hodgson is leaving no stone unturned to prepare his team well for the competition.
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"We have respect for everyone but if I have to give a name, I say Pirlo", the 66-year-old told the FA's official site.
"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."
Pirlo was also instrumental in knocking the Three Lions out of Euro 2012 two years ago.
The former AC Milan player has 26 matches in the Italian league so far scoring four goals and has provided his team-mates with five equally important assists.
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