Italy hope to repeat Euro 2012 run in Brazil

Mighty Italy believe they can repeat their surprise run to the Euro 2012 final by going all the way at the Confederations Cup. Italy were held to an embarrassing 2-2 draw by little Haiti in a friendly at the weekend. But Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio said he was confident that the renowned battlers could reach the Confederations Cup final on June 23 in a dress rehearsal for the 2014 World Cup. "We hope to do like we did at Euro 2012," Marchisio told a news conference. "We aren't happy with our last two matches where fatigue played a major role. "But we have been working hard and we have arrived here in our best condition." Marchisio added that playing in the iconic Maracana stadium in Rio -- the venue for the eight-nation tournament final -- will be the inspiration needed. "To play in the most famous stadium is a great motivation." The Juventus star said that Italy will not be treating the tournament just as a warm-up. "It's a preparation for Brazil and the work (for the World Cup), but we are treating it as a very important competition," added Marchisio. Italy are in Group A at the Confederations Cup along with Brazil, Japan and Mexico. Source: AFP