Spain coach Luis Enrique recognises ‘Italy are one of the best teams in the world’ and have a ‘similar’ tactical approach to La Roja.
The semi-final kicks off at San Siro on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), while the other semi-finalists are France and Belgium.
This is a return to the Peninsula for the Spain boss, who spent one season in charge of Roma.
“It is an immense pleasure to be back here, as I love Italy for the weather, the foot, the Italian language and of course also the football,” said Luis Enrique in his press conference.
In the past, Spanish pundits and coaches tended to look down on the Italian way of playing as too defensive, but they have moved towards each other under Roberto Mancini’s tenure.
“We are similar teams, both try to take the initiative and attack. Italy deservedly won against England and no doubt will try to maintain their unbeaten run. Any side that reaches 37 games without losing is doing a lot right. At this moment, Italy are one of the best teams in Europe and the world.
“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we will try to keep the ball more than them and be more determined.”
The coach was asked what he feared about this Azzurri side going into the semi-final, having met already in the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final in July.
“Fear is an ugly word, coaches and players do not fear anything. Italy know how to play out from the back and attack in different ways, so we must try to play our game, think how we can face them in those various moments.
“I think Mancini is very intelligent, he chose players most suited to his style of football. He won more or less with every team he coached, so that shows how good he is.”
There are three Serie A players – Fabian Ruiz of Napoli, Brahim Diaz at Milan and Lazio’s Luis Alberto – who can’t seem to get a call-up for Spain under Luis Enrique.
“All three are doing very well. Fabian has been on international duty many times. It’s not right for me to talk about individual players who aren’t here, as my job is to find players suited to my style of football.
“All three of them could return to international duty, but I have to make decisions.”
🇮🇹 “BENVENUTI!!!”
🏨 El míster @LUISENRIQUE21 nos hace de “cicerone” a nuestra llegada al hotel de concentración de Milán.
🛌🏻 Los jugadores ya están alojados descansando y esta tarde se dirigirán a San Siro para completar el entrenamiento oficial.#NationsLeague#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/xX5dOdIQAL
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) October 5, 2021