Group B preview: Kvist warns Italy

Italy is the stand-out team in a pool which also contains Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia and Malta, and will be looking to build on its EURO 2012 performance when it reached the final before losing to Spain.

Italy will begin the journey to Brazil against Bulgaria on Friday evening (Saturday morning AEST), while Denmark takes on fellow EURO 2012 participant Czech Republic on Saturday evening (Sunday morning AEST).

Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli has previously said Czech Republic will be the biggest challenge to his side in the group, but Kvist sees no reason why the Danes cannot pose a threat either.

"Fair enough if Italy think the Czechs are the greatest threat," the Stuttgart player told Ekstra Bladet.

"The Czechs played well at EURO 2012 and it's based on that the Italian coach thinks they have the best momentum right now.

"That's his opinion, but I think we will play some good tight matches against Italy.

"In any case there are four good teams, and Armenia aren't so bad either so I've heard, so it's a very difficult group.

"I don't think Italy have any reason to feel safe because anyone can beat anyone. That could be a positive thing from our point of view."

Czech Republic defender Tomas Sivok also sees Morten Olsen's Denmark as something of a problem, although he is confident it can get a result in Copenhagen this weekend.

"The group is very difficult, but we will not give up hope that we can compete," he said.

"We're not going to Copenhagen on friendly terms. If I did not believe we could get a result I would not be here and instead be spending time with my family.

"I can honestly say that a point for us in Copenhagen would be excellent and a great start to our campaign."

Italy striker Pablo Osvaldo is seeing the trip to Bulgaria as a fresh start to his international career after being overlooked by Prandelli for EURO 2012.

"I didn't do well towards the end of last term and the coach was right not to select me," said the Roma player.

"I had a good pre-season though and I have done well in the league.

"I'll be delighted if I do get a game and I'll give my all, but I'm already happy to just be here again."

Armenia will begin its qualifying campaign with a trip to Malta.