Slovakia's inexperience counts against them

10 April 2012

Slovakia striker Martin Jakubko says there will no surprises when they face Italy in their final Group F match on Thursday.

Vladimir Weiss's side need a victory if they are to have any hope of making it through to the second phase.

Slovakia, in the finals for the first time, lost to Paraguay on Sunday after a draw against New Zealand.

Jakubko said: "Italy are a well-known team. They have won the World Cup four times, including last time. That says it all about Italy.

"There are a few national teams who are traditionally strong in these tournaments.

Germany, for example. They are used to reaching finals. We are newcomers."

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