Pablo Osvaldo gave visitors Italy a 2-1 lead after Stanislav Manolev's opener in the 30th minute, before Georgi Milanov restored parity after half-time to help the hosts snatch a 2-2 draw.

Prandelli was satisfied with the result but admitted that the Azzurri were unable to play their own game as Bulgaria dictated play.

"A point in an away game versus Bulgaria is quite valuable. We always struggle a bit at the start of the campaign, so we have to be satisfied with the draw," Prandelli said after the match.

"It's a bit of a shame that we didn't bag the full three points as we got some good chances to make it 3-1. That would have taken the wind out of their sails a bit and calmed us down.

"We were unable to play at our own tempo and lacked accuracy in our passing. We allowed Bulgaria to dictate the game and run at our defenders."

Italy take on Malta on Monday in their second 2014 World Cup qualifier.