Italy winger Federico Bernardeschi said Spain provided the biggest test at the Euros and stressed the Azzurri ‘will be ready’ for the UEFA Nations League semi-final.
Roberto Mancini’s men have reached the UEFA Nations League Finals and will play Spain at San Siro on Wednesday, with Belgium and France clashing in the other semi-final on Thursday.
Italy are on an unbeaten run of 37 games and Luis Enrique revealed La Roja are motivated by the task in hand at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Bernardeschi, capped 35 times by Italy, knows what to expect against Spain, as the two nations prepare for another battle for a place in a Final.
“Spain are strong, they are the team that put us in most difficulty, in terms of the game,” Bernardeschi told the FIGC’s official channel. “But we have shown how much we have grown over these three years, not only since EURO 2020 started. We will be ready.”
Italy beat Spain on penalties in the semi-final of the European Championship three months ago, before overcoming England on penalties in the Final at Wembley.
“Giving continuity to the European Championship is fundamental,” Bernardeschi underlined. “Playing this semi-final is a great feeling but being able to lift the trophy would be even more exciting.
“The fans will give us an extra boost, everything is more beautiful.”
Italy are without several injured players when Gianluigi Donnarumma returns to San Siro for the first time since he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Carica Bernardeschi: “Spagna forte, ok, ma noi pronti e in casa…” https://t.co/NZ89ZPXqZp
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) October 5, 2021