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The Azzurri squad were travelling to Geneva from Florence ahead of Thursday night's friendly against Brazil, but while landing the players had a bit of a shock
The plane carrying Italy's players to Switzerland was struck by lightning on Wednesday ahead of their clash against Brazil on Thursday night.
The Azzurri travelled to Geneva from Florence to play the World Cup 2014 hosts in a friendly game but were greeted while landing with lightning bolt, though no players were harmed.
The players were shaken by the incident, but any chance of a crash or similar incident having nearly occurred were rubbished by the plane's captain.
"The situation was always under control," assured Roberto Andolfato told Sky Sport.
However team boss Cesare Prandelli admitted his side were afraid at the turn of events.
"I challenge anyone to say they weren’t scared," Prandelli told journalists at a delayed press conference in Switzerland.
“There was a loud ‘boom’ and then silence. The bolt of lightning hit the wing."
Juventus Claudio Marchisio tweeted afterwards: "Beautiful plane scare today! We are now in our hotel in Geneva, and tomorrow big challenge against Brazil."
Cesare Prandelli's men face the Selecao on March 21 at 20:30CET, before preparing for a World Cup qualifier against minnows Malta next Tuesday.
Balotelli and Co suffer lightning strike ordeal as Italy plane is hit on way to face Brazil
By RIK SHARMA PUBLISHED: 21:07 GMT, 20 March 2013 | UPDATED: 00:50 GMT, 21 March 2013
Italy's team plane was struck by lightning on its way to Geneva, Switzerland, where they face Brazil in a friendly on Thursday.Players and staff were stunned at what happened to their charter flight from Florence, Italy, but no damage was caused.Flight personnel quickly calmed the squad - which included Mario Balotelli, Andrea Pirlo and Stephan El Shaarawy - explaining that it was lightning but that there was no danger.
Shaken: Mario Balotelli and Cesar Prandelli training after the lightning strike
Idon't believe you: Prandelli challenged any of his squad to claim that they weren't afraid
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said: 'It certainly wasn't pleasant, and I challenge anyone to say "I wasn't afraid." It's happened to me before but never this strongly.'Pilot Roberto Andolfato told Sky Sport: 'The situation was always under control.'Meanwhile Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio tweeted: 'Beautiful plane scare today! We are now in our hotel in Geneva, and tomorrow big challenge against Brazil.'
Samba style: Andrea Pirlo (right) leads the way as Italy prepare to face Brazil
Prandelli told figc.it: 'I have to prepare well for this game without giving any kind of advantage to Brazil.
'You can infer some of our plans having watched our training session, though. 'It's a game we want to play to the best of our ability so we can make life difficult for Brazil.'
Chit chat: Brazilian forward Neymar (left) talks to fellow striker Fred during a training session on Wednesday
Safe hands: Julio Cesar trains away from the outfield players as Brazil ready themselves for the clash
