Manchester City midfielder Rodri feels Italy are among the ‘candidates’ to win Euro 2024 but insists ‘not many teams are superior’ to Spain.
Spain and Italy will meet in the Euro 2024 group stage which will also includes Croatia and Albania.
“It will be really tough. We played Croatia at the Euros and in the Nations League, and they are a tricky opponent. Albania must also be respected. I repeat, it will be tough,” Rodri told Gazzetta.
Italy eliminated Spain in the Euro 2020 semifinals three years ago and the Manchester City midfielder believes the Azzurri will be among the trickiest opponents in Germany this summer.
Rodri: Man City midfielder feels Italy among ‘candidates’ to win Euro 2024
“In the last edition of the Euros, we reached the semis but lost on penalties to you [Italy], who eventually won the trophy,” he said.
“A year ago, we took a little revenge in the Nations League, beating the Azzurri in the semis.
“Italy have had highs and lows over the last few years. You didn’t qualify for the World Cup twice, but you won the Euros. Italy remain a competitive team,” the Spanish midfielder continued.
“The coach has changed, it’s true, but the characteristics are the same. Solid and competitive. It’s one of those teams that usually don’t score many goals but which must be respected anyway. I think Italy are among the candidates to win.”
Italy will meet Turkey in an international friendly tonight, Tuesday, June 4, and Spalletti will name the final 26-man squad list for the upcoming tournament this coming Thursday.
Spain have won the Euros three times and Rodri is confident his national team can lift the trophy again this summer.
“Perhaps we are not among the favourites, but we know where we can get, and we go to Germany to take a further step towards the top,” he said.
“We must run as much as a provincial team and do more than the others. With this mentality, we can do great things. We will go to the Euros trying to win, we know we have the qualities to make it. Internally, we think we are the best team and if we look outside, we don’t see many superior teams. I believe there is an excellent balance in today’s football and you win games by small margins.”
Italy and Spain will meet in the second group stage game on June 20 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The Azzurri will make their debut at Euro 2024 against Albania on June 15 and will play two friendlies to prepare for the competition, against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina.