Getty Images
OPINION: Italy don’t fear Spain
Four years after the Kiev’s nightmare, Italy can take their revenge.
No reason to add that the path towards the final will be as difficult as ever for Antonio Conte’s lads. The azzurri will face Spain in the last-16 stage. If they go through, chances of meeting Germany in the quarter finals will be very high and France could be Italy’s opponents in the semi-finals. Portugal or England may be the possible finalists on the 10th of July. If Italy want to win the tournament, they’ll have to meet (and beat) the favourite sides.
Antonio Conte makes no drama about that. Italy can rely on their strengthen, motivation and hunger. Incoming Chelsea manager will make no plans, he wants his lads to focus on one match at a time. The group watched Croatia-Spain all together yesterday and the coach did not seem to stressed or worried about the imminent meeting with the defending champions. Spain or Croatia would have made little difference to him.
Italy are without a win against Spain since USA 94, but motivations are high and the azzurri want to beat Sergio Ramos and Co. for the first time in more than 22 years. Get ready for this, Italy have no fear.
Federico Zanon @FedeZanon15, translated by Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto