FIFA World Cup 2014: Prandelli Happy to see Italy Beat a Strong England Side

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli believes his side played brilliantly to see off England, who, according to him, possess one of the best attacks in the 2014 World Cup.

Although the Three Lions thoroughly tested Italy's defence in the opening stages of the game, it was the Azzurri who broke the deadlock through Claudio Marchisio.

Daniel Sturridge soon levelled the scores but Mario Balotelli 50^th minute strike secured the much-needed three points for Italy in Group D.

And Prandelli, who was very pleased with the result, revealed he just told the players to play to their strengths.

"Our logic was that we don't have players who are explosive and as powerful as England so we had to enhance the abilities of our players. They have technical players who are very good, in the first half we had better position, we could've been better in defence but this is the way to go," said Prandelli.

"We thought that we would line up with Daniele De Rossi, Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo in the centre of midfield to try to have the numerical superiority. We did have it at times but we need to improve in vertical play, because Antonio Candreva and Claudio Marchisio were always in the right position."

However, the 56-year-old Italian admitted Italy had to bring balance to their game to keep rngland at bay.

"We balanced our game because England are a very strong team, four or five players have an amazing ability to sprint," he said. "In 90 minutes you can't be perfect and there were a few moments we were caught out."

Prandelli also feels England have drastically improved their game, employing different tactics.

"Teams change and they evolve; England play differently than 20 years ago. Up until a few years ago they played long balls and headers, but now they are very good, not just one on one but they play incisive passes.

"We knew because England changed a lot, that they play a version of 4-2-3-1 and they have one of the strongest attacks at the World Cup. That's why I am satisfied because we played a really great team."

Italy, who made an early exit in the last World Cup, will be hoping to get some more positive results when they face Costa Rica and Uruguay on 20 and 24 June respectively.