Ex-Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni has given Antonio Conte advice on how to face Spain. “You mustn’t surrender the initiative.”
The Euro 2016 Round of 16 kicks off in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“It’s probably true that this Spain side has lost something compared to the past, but remains very strong and complete,” Bologna boss Donadoni told Sport Mediaset.
Ex-Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni has given Antonio Conte advice on how to face Spain. “You mustn’t surrender the initiative.”
The Euro 2016 Round of 16 kicks off in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“It’s probably true that this Spain side has lost something compared to the past, but remains very strong and complete,” Bologna boss Donadoni told Sport Mediaset.
He was on the bench when the Azzurri pushed Spain to penalties in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, while La Roja went on to win that trophy, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
“In tournaments like this, it does help to be accustomed to success and wanting to emulate those who came before you.”
Some say the Spanish era is coming to an end at international level, especially after a dire 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“It’s not about players who are no longer here, it’s more that you get to learn from and understand teams, figure out the way they play and identify weaknesses.
“Spain are now quite predictable and easily recognisable. That is what the opposition Coaches prepare for and nowadays that’s much easier to do than it was in the past.”
Xavi said this week that Spain struggle against three-man defences, so how should Italy approach this game?
“If only it was just about using three at the back…” smiled Donadoni. “You have to play, be tight, but not surrender the initiative. I don’t like the idea of sitting back and countering, so to do that would be wrong.
“We will certainly have scoring opportunities, so the important thing is to make the most of them. I repeat, staying tight is one thing, giving up the initiative is another.”
Italy have not beaten Spain in a competitive match since the 1994 World Cup semi-final, when Donadoni was playing.
“Obviously it’s better to have more quality, but the joy of a team is seeing what potential you can pull out of them. There’s so much in the attitude as they step on to the field, their dedication, sacrifice, confidence and knowing where their strengths and limitations are.
“Conte is able to transmit these values to his teams. It has to then be translated into a match situation, but it is undoubtedly an advantage.”
Among the players expected to start tomorrow there is Emanuele Giaccherini, whose career was revitalised during his loan spell with Donadoni at Bologna.
“I am happy for Emanuele. He’s proving how the Nazionale jersey gives you something more, even playing out of position. He has notable quality and he’s showing it.
“He also deserves it, because he’s a lovely guy.”