Andrea Barzagli warned Alvaro Morata “there are no friends on the pitch” and promised Italy are studying Spain very carefully.
The Round of 16 tie kicks off in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“We are very disappointed to be without Antonio Candreva, as we know full well what he could’ve given and did great in the first two games,” said Barzagli in a Press conference.
Andrea Barzagli warned Alvaro Morata “there are no friends on the pitch” and promised Italy are studying Spain very carefully.
The Round of 16 tie kicks off in Paris on Monday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“We are very disappointed to be without Antonio Candreva, as we know full well what he could’ve given and did great in the first two games,” said Barzagli in a Press conference.
“However, there are 23 in the group and we have the right substitutes to ensure he is not missed. We are preparing very well, are concentrated and have the right spirit. I think with two days to go we’re at a good stage.”
Candreva’s thigh injury isn’t the only concern, as several Italy players are on yellow cards going into the Spain match.
“In all honesty, it’s only normal that there is the danger of a ban, but we are not thinking about it. In fact, we joke around between us, as we are the only team in the tournament with two out of three goalkeepers on a yellow card…
“We won’t let ourselves get affected by anything. If we get a yellow, then we can’t do much about that, but there is faith in the squad. That is our strength.”
Barzagli and his Juventus teammates will be facing Morata as an opponent.
“There are no friends on the pitch. I struggle even to say hello to them before kick-off, as it’s an issue of concentration. Morata is one of many dangers in the Spain side, they have a lot of quality and we must be wary of everyone.
“We know Morata’s strengths, but must also keep an eye on the others, as Spain have many players who can send him clear on goal. We are studying Spain, have already faced them and are preparing in the best possible way.
"Of course, Morata also knows us. He is aware that if he runs into Giorgio Chiellini's area, he'll get a kicking…."
Morata told Spanish media that the Juve trio and Gigi Buffon represent the best defensive unit in the world.
“We joke around a lot between us. Let’s just say I fear Morata and Spain a little bit and don’t really like these expressions of admiration. I think we are all concentrated on the match.
“The good thing about a game like this is you don’t even need to work on being motivated. That is the only easy part, because many pundits forgot Spain among the favourites to win Euro 2016.
“We’ll fight the way we usually do. We might be ugly, we might do dirty work, but we will give everything to hurt Spain.
“The duels and the details make the difference. We have to be wary of their forwards, but also try to hit their defence. It would be the biggest mistake to take a negative approach.”
Which player would Barzagli like to remove from the Spain squad?
“Definitely Andres Iniesta, as he is clearly their best player and one of the best of all time, or at least in the last 10-15 years.”
When these sides met in the Euro 2012 group phase, it was a draw, and in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals ended with penalties.
“We are ready and also practicing penalties. As well as the usual takers, we had more or less everyone step up. There were some ugly scenes, let me tell you, but in a match situation everything changes.”