The Italy star has warned of the threat posed by the Central Americans' attack, while former goalkeeper Luis Conejo claims Keylor Navas will become one of the world's best
Italy must approach Friday's clash with Costa Rica like a final, midfielder Thiago Motta has warned.
Given little chance to exit a difficult Group D at the World Cup, Costa Rica claimed a stunning 3-1 win against Uruguay last week.
Arsenal's Joel Campbell starred in the come-from-behind victory, scoring one goal and setting up another.
And that has Italy – and Motta – wary, both about their talent in the final third and the fact they are more accustomed to the conditions in Brazil than European teams.
"They are a good side, with good individual players up front," Motta told reporters on Thursday.
"They are also more used to these weather conditions than we are.
"We will have to give 100 per cent, maybe even more. We will treat it as a final."
Meanwhile, former Costa Rica goalkeeper Luis Conejo has warned Italy to be wary of the prowess of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, claiming the Levante shot-stopper could soon become one of the world's finest.
"He will surpass me," claimed the 1990 World Cup star. "Today, goalkeepers are produced differently. In our time there was no specific training.
"It was only natural [ability]. But, that part of it, he has. He has important natural abilities and features. To me, he's going to fight to be the best goalkeeper in the world.
"When I saw him for the first time, Keylor was young and small. But... he is a keeper of special features. He's fast, powerful and complete.
"He knows how to work with his feet, something which is required in football today. He reads the game very well, moves well and is explosive."
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