Prandelli: I never lost hope against the Czechs

Prandelli's team trailed 1-0 to the Czechs at Juventus Stadium in Turin but two goals in three minutes from Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Balotelli - the latter from the spot - saw the home side lock up their spot in the World Cup finals in Brazil next year with two qualifying matches remaining.

It was not all smooth sailing for the Italians on Tuesday, though, as they went into the interval trailing courtesy of a fine Libor Kozak goal in the 19th minute but Prandelli said he encouraged his team to keep persisting with their attacking methods.

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