In the run up to the friendly match against Germany, Italy's boss, Cesare Prandelli, said in a press conference: "The first liners will be Buffon, Cassani, Bonucci, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Montolivo, Thiago Motta, De Rossi, Mauri, Cassano and Pazzini. It will be a tough match, but I am not concerned".