Roy Hodgson believes Andrea Pirlo will dictate Italy's game when they meet England this summer[GETTY]The Juventus playmaker was instrumental as the Azzurri dumped Hodgson's men out of Euro 2012 on penalties, and recently confirmed his intention to retire from international duty after this summer's Finals in Brazil.
Many pundits have highlighted nomadic AC Milan star Mario Balotelli as Cesare Prandelli's weapon of choice, but Hodgson believes that despite his ageing legs, 34-year-old Pirlo is the man who could wreck the Three Lions' World Cup bid in Manaus.
He told Mediaset: "Do we fear him [Balotelli]? I know him because he played in England. We have respect for everyone but if I have to give a name, I say Pirlo.
"In the last 10 years, he has made Italy play. I had him three months at Inter Milan and he has had an incredible career.
The Three Lions boss reckons his side will be well prepared for the humid conditions in Manaus [GETTY]In the last 10 years, Pirlo has made Italy play
"Italy are very strong. Prandelli has done a great job in the last four years and I believe the Italian team has grown during this time.
"But are England defeated before we start the World Cup? Perhaps that's how people in Italy see us but the game has to be played and then we shall see. I never think of being defeated before a game, I always think of winning.
"We will do like any other team that will play in Manaus, which has a special climate. We are doing everything possible to prepare the player sin order to deal with these conditions.
"It's not the best situation for us but neither is it for Italy. I don't think right now this even represents an advantage for any South American side."
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