Giorgio Chiellini believes that Italy have the capacity to beat world and European champions Spain on Sunday afternoon.
The Azzurri are currently preparing for Group C’s opening match between themselves and La Roja by testing a new formation in training in light of Andrea Barzagli’s injury.
Giorgio Chiellini believes that Italy have the capacity to beat world and European champions Spain on Sunday afternoon.
The Azzurri are currently preparing for Group C’s opening match between themselves and La Roja by testing a new formation in training in light of Andrea Barzagli’s injury.
In spite of this, the Serie A and B betting scandal to have hit the camp and the fact that Spain eliminated them from the last edition of the tournament, Chiellini is eyeing three points for Italy.
“We can beat them,” the Juventus man decarled to UEFA.com. “We have great motivation and belief that we can win this game. We will not wait in defence for the odd counterattack because that is not in our nature.
“We will try to respect our opponents and try to do what we have been doing over the past two years – play good football.”
Even so, the defender also maintains respect for the weekend’s opponents.
“Spain have proven that even without certain individuals, their play is not dictated by memory,
“Even in their recent friendlies they fielded some new players who proved they have as much quality up front [as the others]. They are a team very much like the one of four years ago that won everything.
“The Euros are so short that every game is very important, if not decisive. We are well aware that it will be a difficult start, the first game is always complicated.
“We will take to the pitch aware of the great qualities our opponents but also with the knowledge that we can play our style of play, that we can win this game.
“We will try and match them but also cause them problems with our qualities. In all probability it will be a very exciting game.”
Chiellini could be lining up alongside Daniele De Rossi in a back three, but is unconcerned by the impact a change in formation may have.
“Regardless of the tactics, having the right attitude and the desire to help each other out is the most important thing.
“Our Coach has a great deal of experience and in the next few days he will evaluate the best way for the team to play.
“We have all played at a high level and have played in many different formations so over the next few days we will be able to see what the coach thinks is best for the team.
“For me, though, tactics are all relative, other factors count.”