Italy plane struck by lightning on way to Brazil friendly

Cesare Prandelli and Italy lead their group in UEFA World Cup qualifying.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

GENEVA (AP) -- As if facing Brazil wasn't enough stimulation, Italy has been thrown into shock with the team plane struck by lightning.

No damage was caused but players and staff were jolted by the scare on Wednesday following the charter flight from Florence, Italy, to Geneva, the site of Thursday's friendly.

Flight personnel moved quickly to spread calm, saying that it was lightning but there was never any danger.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says "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.''

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.