Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says they can feel the support of the nation after progressing from their Euros group.

Over 20 million people watched the victory over the Republic of Ireland on TV in the peninsula and Prandelli is content with the appeal of his players.

"I'm happy, it means that this national side is one which the people have fallen in love with," he said. "Things are working.

"I would give a good mark to this team. They deserve a seven so far. In the first game we played the best in Spain. We played good football against Croatia. We suffered against Ireland, but we gave an important signal."