体坛英语新闻：Prandelli prefers Italy not to be seeded for World Cup draw

ROME, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli said on Wednesday that he would like to see his side not seeded in the World Cup draw, as he prefers humility to excessive dreams.

Italy could have secured the top seed status provided they had won one of their last two World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, they earned two 2-2 draws.

They now have to wait for the results of some South American World Cup qualifiers to see if they will have the chance to be to seeded.

The current seven out of eight seeds are Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Colombia and Switzerland.

Prandelli said it could be better for his side not to be seeded.

"We aren't seeds? It's better that way," he said. "I prefer humility and concentration straight away to excessive dreams."

"I am not frightened by the risk of meeting Brazil or Spain straight away. In fact, look at how it went for us at Euro 2012," he added.

Italy were in the same group as eventual winners Spain in that tournament and reached the final.

Prandelli also called for his side to support Mario Balotelli, who is being troubled by controversies.

"We have all realized that Balotelli is crucial if we want to go beyond our limits. We must get even closer to him, because the last few days have been very difficult for him," he said.