Riva relaxed despite drab Italy

Former Italy striker Luigi Riva said he is not overly concerned by their 3-0 defeat to Russia on Saturday, ahead of Euro 2012.

Cesare Prandelli’s men were put to the sword in their final warm-up game before the start of the continental tournament, and face reigning champions and World Cup holders Spain in just a week’s time.

However, the 67-year-old – who won Euro 1968 with his country – is not worried about the defeat, and insists that Italian teams traditionally fare better in a competitive environment.

“Am I worried? Not at all,” Riva told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We just aren’t good with friendlies. We give our best only in the games that matter. In fact, it’s better that we lost so badly, as that way we can fix the problems.

“I know Cesare Prandelli well and he will already have a clear idea on what needs to be adjusted.

“I won’t get into whether it’s better to have a three- or four-man defence. I will just say that someone like Giorgio Chiellini will make the difference when he returns.

“Besides, at the Euros it will be a whole other situation.”

Italy face Spain on June 10, and will also have to tackle the Republic of Ireland and Croatia in Group C.