Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara feels Euro 2016 opponents Italy have “a winning mentality and are difficult to score against.”
The Round of 16 tie kicks off in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“Italy have a winning mentality,” said the Bayern Munich talent in a Press conference.
“They are one of the biggest teams in the world and it will be very difficult for us to score a goal against them.
Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara feels Euro 2016 opponents Italy have “a winning mentality and are difficult to score against.”
The Round of 16 tie kicks off in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“Italy have a winning mentality,” said the Bayern Munich talent in a Press conference.
“They are one of the biggest teams in the world and it will be very difficult for us to score a goal against them.
“It’s true they are a well-drilled outfit who haven’t conceded many goals, but they haven’t scored that many either, and still managed to get good results. It will be a tough match.”
There are reports Spain will adjust their style to deal with the Azzurri’s 3-5-2 system.
“We got the results with this approach, let’s not forget. Previously, Spain always had the game in hand, but now we get the whole team playing, can lift the ball, go down the flanks or make through passes.
“Our football is no longer just based on the midfield. We have midfielders who know how to control the ball, wingers who push up and defenders who can mark with or without a reference point.
“We can play with various styles, but always based on passing play.”
Thiago Alcantara shrugged off suggestions Spain should be worried at playing in white, as that often accompanied disappointing tournament results.
“It is just a shirt. The colour is irrelevant as long as we are representing our country.”