Iconic Spanish midfielder Xavi says 'Italy-Spain should have been a semi-final or final' and praises Antonio Conte's philosophy.
The Azzurri managed to top their group, but ended up having to face La Roja in Monday's Round of 16 game, in a match-up that both sides would have sooner avoided.
“It's like we're destined to always meet,” Xavi joked with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “And that's unlucky for both of us. It's a shame, because this game is coming too early.
Iconic Spanish midfielder Xavi says 'Italy-Spain should have been a semi-final or final' and praises Antonio Conte's philosophy.
The Azzurri managed to top their group, but ended up having to face La Roja in Monday's Round of 16 game, in a match-up that both sides would have sooner avoided.
“It's like we're destined to always meet,” Xavi joked with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “And that's unlucky for both of us. It's a shame, because this game is coming too early.
“It could comfortably have been a semi-final or even a final, because Italy and Spain both showed an average level in this tournament so far that made them candidates for the final.
“They played two good matches, each according to their style. Spain enjoyed two magnificent games, Italy played well with their 3-5-2, which they have been using for a while.
“Maybe they've been a touch lucky in terms of their result, but the philosophy is excellent. Conte's team works very well in defence.
“Although admittedly your attack no longer has the world-class beasts, but Eder and [Graziano] Pelle are still the type of player that can score in any moment. And you have a resource on dead-ball situations: [Daniele] De Rossi, [Andrea] Barzagli, [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini make every dead ball dangerous.
“There are also [Lorenzo] Insigne and [Ciro] Immobile. You have players of great talent on the bench, but Italy prioritise hard work. Pelle and Eder are more physical players, more about sacrifice for the collective and that's probably why they've been chosen.
“Maybe people like Insigne or Immobile can come in during the last 20 minutes if there's a need for more quality.”
Xavi was also asked about his memories of playing the Azzurri, in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals and the Euro 2012 final.
“In 2008 it was a very balanced game, we won it on points, at the penalties. Not very many chances, one woodwork hit by Marcos Senna.
“It meant a great shift for us. We passed the quarter-finals, getting rid of this historical burden and also our Italy complex.
“I have good memories of my games played against you, but our previous generations saw you as an authentic bogeyman. That's where it all started for us.
“The match in 2012 was the best in all of [Coach Vicente] Del Bosque's era. In terms of playing style, I reckon our best team was the one in 2008, but that match with Vicente was a masterpiece.
“It was better than at the World Cup, when we were highly conditioned by our initial loss to Switzerland and we suffered. We were too tense and we didn't play well until the semi-final.
“We improved in the semi-final against Germany and the final against Holland, but we never matched the level of the final in Kiev against you. Really, a masterpiece.”