Claudio Marchisio assured Italy “want to end the Spain taboo” at Euro 2016 today and “put up with a lot of criticism.”
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), follow the build-up and action on our LIVEBLOG.
“I spoke to my teammates before the Euros began,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia after a knee injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Claudio Marchisio assured Italy “want to end the Spain taboo” at Euro 2016 today and “put up with a lot of criticism.”
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), follow the build-up and action on our LIVEBLOG.
“I spoke to my teammates before the Euros began,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia after a knee injury ruled him out of the tournament.
“Everyone expected Italy to struggle badly. I spoke to Giorgio Chiellini two days ago and I can assure you they are fired up. They want to end that Spain taboo.”
It has been said, including by Xavi, that Spain tend to struggle against a 3-5-2 system.
“I don’t think it’s just having three at the back. Now Spain are meeting a team that is in very good shape both physically and psychologically.
“The group is very united and had to put up with a lot of criticism. They’ll face this game with the right determination, knowing the opposition is strong.
“The way to beat Spain is with rapid counters. We have always been well-prepared defensively, but Spain are not accustomed to defending. Therefore when we get possession, we have to make it count.”
Alessandro Florenzi replaces injured Antonio Candreva on the right. Is that an excessively defensive choice?
“Florenzi started out as a midfielder and has a good record when it comes to scoring goals, so I think he can make the difference today. I don’t see it being defensive.”
How is Marchisio feeling as he watches the match from a distance?
“To be honest, I haven’t even watched all of the Euros, as it does hurt not being there. Now I can’t wait for the game to start and I know exactly how the players are feeling.
“That 4-0 still weighs on us and I trust them to write a different story today.”