Having made a blistering start to what is ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ their fourth World Cup campaign with a shock 3-1 win over Uruguay, the 'Ticos' would be forgiven for keeping the pace high from kick-off as they go in search ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ another upset.
"Italy have great players like (Mario) Balotelli and (Andrea) Pirlo, who controls all ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ their play, and we have a lot ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ respect for them," said FC Copenhagen midfielder Christian Bolanos.
"But we'll hope to benefit from the heavy climate. We are used to playing in those kinds ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ temperatures."
Italy, who crashed out at the group stage in 2010, launched their bid for a record-equalling fifth title with a crucial 2-1 win over England in Manaus last week in their Group D opener.
But the four-time champions were given notice following Costa Rica's shock win over 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay that a match they would have been widely expected to dominate may be more difficult than first imagined.
"They'll be fired up after their win," said De Rossi. "If they had lost 4-0 then we might have underestimated them, but now there's no chance ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ that."
However De Rossi added: "But I hope, and I'm sure, we can beat Costa Rica and secure our ticket to the second round."
A second win for Italy would provide a huge boost ahead ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ their final group clash against Uruguay, but coach Cesare Prandelli faces selection dilemmas.
AC Milan's Matteo De Sciglio, who normally plays at right-back, is not expected to recover in time from a thigh knock, while Andrea Barzagli and central defensive partn
"Italy have great players like (Mario) Balotelli and (Andrea) Pirlo, who controls all ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ their play, and we have a lot ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ respect for them," said FC Copenhagen midfielder Christian Bolanos.
"But we'll hope to benefit from the heavy climate. We are used to playing in those kinds ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ temperatures."
Italy, who crashed out at the group stage in 2010, launched their bid for a record-equalling fifth title with a crucial 2-1 win over England in Manaus last week in their Group D opener.
But the four-time champions were given notice following Costa Rica's shock win over 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay that a match they would have been widely expected to dominate may be more difficult than first imagined.
"They'll be fired up after their win," said De Rossi. "If they had lost 4-0 then we might have underestimated them, but now there's no chance ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ that."
However De Rossi added: "But I hope, and I'm sure, we can beat Costa Rica and secure our ticket to the second round."
A second win for Italy would provide a huge boost ahead ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ their final group clash against Uruguay, but coach Cesare Prandelli faces selection dilemmas.
AC Milan's Matteo De Sciglio, who normally plays at right-back, is not expected to recover in time from a thigh knock, while Andrea Barzagli and central defensive partn
