Vicente Del Bosque does not believe Spain are the favourites against Italy in Euro 2016. “The tie is 50-50.”
The Round of 16 is in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) and the winners will face Germany in the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
“We are facing a team that is very solid defensively and can hurt us in attack too, as they work well in both boxes,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
It has been said that Spain traditionally struggle against sides who play three at the back, for example Chile at the 2014 World Cup.
Vicente Del Bosque does not believe Spain are the favourites against Italy in Euro 2016. “The tie is 50-50.”
The Round of 16 is in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) and the winners will face Germany in the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
“We are facing a team that is very solid defensively and can hurt us in attack too, as they work well in both boxes,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
It has been said that Spain traditionally struggle against sides who play three at the back, for example Chile at the 2014 World Cup.
“We changed a few things, everyone knows what they have to do. Italy played the same way against us in their friendly in Udine back in March.
“It’s true we had a few problems against that system, but I hope that we can play our football and it is Italy who must worry about adapting to us.
“Italy have a very specific way of playing football and are very good at it. We must be wary of that.
“Are we the favourites? No, I think the tie is 50-50. The past is worth little now, as we have to give our all in the present. It will be a demanding game, tough for both teams.”
Antonio Candreva is out with a thigh injury, so Alessandro Florenzi and Matteo Darmian are expected to start out wide.
“I won’t go into details, but we do know that Italy like to play with depth and width. I already referred to the two boxes because they have dangerous players in both attack and defence.
“I repeat, we will pay attention to their defensive organisation, but I’d like to take the initiative.”
Alvaro Morata has developed a great deal over the last two years at Juventus and has now been recalled by Real Madrid.
“He learned so much and has become an excellent player. He still needs to be consistent, as great players must always be in the game.”
Spain famously swept Italy aside 4-0 in the Euro 2012 Final in Kiev.
“It was a strange match and I think Italy were really badly affected by fatigue and injuries. You could tell they were wrecked.”
Del Bosque will walk away after this tournament and was asked how he felt before what could be his last game.
“We have an important match and have to focus on carrying on the Euros campaign. With or without me makes little difference, because the future is never very long in football.”