Much of the comment emanating from the Italy camp is centred on the physicality of the New Zealanders, emphasising that the world No 78-ranked team lacked the subtle skill of the best nations.
The sentiments are water off a duck's back for tough defender Sigmund, who said the All Whites pride themselves on a style ingrained in the national psyche.
"We're a big solid team and that's what we've designed ourselves around," Sigmund told Radio Sport.
"With us Kiwis, we've always been that. The English style comes in with all the imports that have come out to New Zealand, so we've built that style. It's a great thing to have and I think a lot of other teams are scared."
Even before the team's in-house tactical meeting, Sigmund made it clear New Zealand won't hesitate to plug the ball long to central striker Rory Fallon and attempt to capitalise on chances from there.
"Rory Fallon is about seven foot when he jumps and he's got a couple of good elbows on him as well, which I wouldn't want to get in the way of."
Sigmund noted the Slovakian defence was backing off cross-provider Shane Smeltz near the end of Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Slovakia in Rustenburg, resulting in the headed goal to Winston Reid.
"On that goal we scored the other day, I thought they were very soft in trying to tackle (Smeltz) and we got that ball in for the equaliser."
A confident Sigmund even said defending champions Italy held few fears and that chinks had been identified.
"People keep saying they're an ageing team, they're getting old. I think maybe they're a little bit slow at the back, possibly, but all these teams are good," he said.
"(Captain) Ryan Nelsen says they're all human and all beatable."
A member of the side who defeated Bahrain in qualifying, Sigmund has struggled for starts since the All Whites arrived in Europe, making way for Reid at right back in the three-man defensive line.
However, the 29-year-old Phoenix hard man was satisfied, to a degree, with his backup role and was ready to step up if called on by coach Ricki Herbert.
"It does get frustrating but the biggest thing for us is that we're one squad and who plays doesn't matter," he said.
"The biggest thing is how united we are as a squad. When we go out there, it's do or die.
"We've got to stick to what we're good at and what we've done all along. We're creating chances and if we bang those in when they come along, you never know."
He said there would be no conscious attempt to shut Italy down and play for a 0-0 draw.
"I don't think we can afford to sit back because we've got some good attacking players as well.
"Smeltzy showed that he doesn't just score, he sets them up, and Rory Fallon is a handful with just his size and strength. When Leo Bertos gets on the ball and is on fire, he can whip some good balls in."
