Prandelli welcomes back the smiles

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is relieved his side have brought smiles back to the faces of their fans after their dismal FIFA World Cup showing.

However, after wins over Estonia and the Faroe Islands in their first two qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, the former Fiorentina boss has warned of tougher tests to come.

Goals from Alberto Gilardino, Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Cassano, Fabio Quagliarella and Andrea Pirlo sunk the Faroes, the group minnows, at Prandelli's former Florence stomping ground of the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

And the coach said: "We wanted to bring a smile and the enthusiasm back to people, we are working on that.

"It was strange to see the national team go out in Italian stadiums without being applauded. We are creating excitement with these victories. In the future we can play good football, with attacking intent. The philosophy of play is important and we had the right attitude, the desire to play the ball on the ground."

A trip to Northern Ireland - who opened their campaign with an impressive win in Slovenia at the weekend - and a home clash to Serbia follow next month, and Prandelli said: "We expect the most important games of the year. We should be more of a team, more organised."

Source: PA