Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini talks prior to the start of a press conference at the “Casa Azzurri” in Montpellier, France, Friday, June 24, 2016.
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The Euro 2016 clash between Italy and Spain is on Monday. This is also the most played fixture in the history of the tournament with this game being the 6th time.
“Spain have been our bogey team since 2008 which is when their winning cycle began”, Chiellini said, referring to a defeat on penalties in the quarter-finals of the European championship that year, which the Spaniards went on to win.
The last two times La Roja defeated the Italians in the European competition, it had a squad that included the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso and an in-form Fernando Torres.
The fate of those still on the squad, like Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Iker Casillas, who are all 30 or older, is yet to be decided. The World Cup holders Germany will be hoping to follow up their success in Brazil by winning the Euro 2016 title, but Joachim Low’s side must first overcome Slovakia on Sunday.
“I saw that 2012 final on TV”, Spain midfielder Koke said. “It will be very hard”.
Daniele De Rossi of Italy wins the ball over John Guidetti of Sweden during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden at Stadium Municipal on June 17, 2016 in Toulouse, France. They also were in the team that played in the final four years ago, along with Leonardo Bonucci, Thiago Motta, Antonio Di Natale and Federico Balzaretti.
“Those of us on the inside have to keep our feet firmly on the ground, know what to do at each moment and be realistic rather than optimistic or pessimistic”, he added.
The former Juventus boss made eight changes for the 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday with qualification to the last 16 already assured.
Most of the youngsters he brought to France have not played a major role for the two-time defending champions so far, and it’s unlikely many will be on the field when Spain faces Italy in the tournament’s round of 16 on Monday at Stade de France.
Should we expect more prolonged spells of brilliance or are they set to remain a team that performs in fits and starts? “I don’t see it as a defensive team even though that’s how it’s tagged”.
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“We used to have a team with a lot of quality players, and now we have one with other quality players”, defender Sergio Ramos said. “We need to show that this team has the hunger to win”.
