As he prepared for the first meeting in Northern Ireland for 52 years he reflected on a 2-1 defeat at Windsor Park that sent shock waves through the football community.

That result saw the host nation qualify for the World Cup finals and Italy exit the competition.

Prandelli said: "I am fully aware of that game. But I was only four months old at the time, so I am not responsible for the result."

Charged with the task of reviving Italy's fortunes after a dismal World Cup, he said: "I am very pleased to be in charge. It is a big responsibility and a great honour.

"The World Cup is in the past and we have to forget what happened. This is a different squad and we employ a different system."

Roma striker Marco Borriello will lead the attack having been chosen ahead of Sampdoria's Giampaolo Pazzini and Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi.

"He (Borriello) is the right striker,'' said Prandelli. "He also gives us depth in manoeuvres."

Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri will return to the starting XI for the first time in three years and will play alongside Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi in midfield.

Bologna's Emiliano Viviano has won his battle with Palermo's Salvatore Sirigu to start in goal.

The players last night visited Windsor Park where 3,000 temporary seats have been installed and Prandelli had no complaints about the facilities on offer.

He said: "This is a historic stadium, full of atmosphere and history. There is nothing like it in Italy.

"We know the fans will be very enthusiastic and very loud. It will be a difficult game for us as we do not know what our best squad is at this moment.

"I expect an emotional game and it very be very closely fought. Hopefully we can get a positive result."

Italy took maximum points from the opening games against Estonia and the Faroe Islands. After the Northern Ireland match, they will face Serbia on Tuesday.