Italy coach Cesare Prandelli tried to stay upbeat after their 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia.

The Azzurri fell to a heavy 3-0 defeat in tonight's friendly in Zurich, which means Italy have lost three consecutive games for the first time since 1986, failing to find the net.

"We made too many mistakes and I hope we made them all tonight. It's a shame, as an incident could've helped us to react," he told RAI Sport.

"It's a third straight defeat, but also the third game in eight months. We have five or six days to work and certainly have to change some things.

"Russia were already in good shape in terms of physical sharpness, determination and the tournament mentality. We're a bit behind right now."

The defence left huge gaps throughout the match and could've conceded more than three goals.

"It's a problem that starts from the attack. If they don't help the midfield, then that suffers and so does the defence. It's not an issue of three or four-man defence.

"Paradoxically it might be better to lose so badly tonight, as we have our feet back firmly on the ground and know how much we have to work."