Zambrotta appeals for Italians to keep perspective

DUISBURG, Germany, June 19 (Reuters) Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta appealed to his countrymen to keep a sense of perspective about their World Cup chances after the Azzurri came in for criticism following the 1-1 draw with United States.

Italy, who beat Ghana 2-0 in their opening match, go into their final Group E game against Czech Republic in Hamburg on Thursday heading the section on four points, one more than the Czechs and Ghana.

''It is clear Italy is a team that should go into the World Cup aiming to win it, you have to start off like that and then you can have ups and downs, plusses and minuses,'' Zambrotta told reporters today.

''But in Italy there is no balance to things, after the Ghana win it was being said we were on our way to the final without any problems, then we draw against the United States and we are no-hopers. We need a bit more balance.'' Midfielder Andrea Pirlo agreed with his team mate.

''You can accept a draw from a game like that,'' said Pirlo.

''Sure, things are a bit more complicated for us now but we have a job to do and that is to win our last game.'' A draw will be enough for Marcello Lippi's side to make it to the second round and Zambrotta said that should bring calm to the squad.

''We know a point is enough to go through and that gives us two results out of three that would be good for us,'' he said.

If Italy finish second in the group they risk facing Brazil in the last 16. Pirlo said it would be better to avoid the champions.

''We have to win our group and then we will play the second in Group F, whoever that would be,'' said Pirlo.

''Brazil are obviously very strong but I don't think they have shown their best yet.'' REUTERS AY RK1840