Prandelli concerned about sluggish Italy

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said his team were too slow and inefficient for his liking after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Faroe Islands.

An Antonio Cassano goal early on in the Euro 2012 qualifier secured the win, but not before a surprise examination from their tenacious Scandinavian hosts, which included the Italian’s woodwork being hit twice, and Prandelli made no bones about their limp display.

“We tried to construct opportunites, but we were too slow throughout the match,” Prandelli told Rai Uno.

“At international level, anything can happen but we always remained focused.”

“We lacked the final pass, but the pitch was heavy and conditions were difficult.”

“However, there are no excuses when you do not take advantage of the early domination we had.”

Striker Mario Balotelli was introduced in the final 10 minutes and provided some spark, with Prandelli admitting he could have brought the Manchester City man on sooner.

“Balotelli? Yes, maybe we could have introduced him a little earlier, but we got the result so it’s okay,” he said.

Italy can confirm their place at Euro 2012 with a win over Slovenia in their next qualifier on September 6, but Prandelli said it was to earl to start celebrating.

“We are closer to qualification, but are not yet done,” he said. “Despite the game seeming easy (on paper), it was anything but.”