July 11 \u2013 In search of knockout qualification, Italy and its manager Andrea Soncin have said their side can hurt world champions Spain, who have been in rampant form at Euro 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Italians face tournament favourites Spain in their final group B match, and will be favourites to progress as runner-up after defeating Belgium and drawing with Portugal in their first two matches. If Italy and Portugal end on level points, overall goal difference will serve as the tie breaker.\u00a0In the Nations League, Italy held Spain to a 1-1 draw.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve played them a few times since I took charge\u2026 so we know each other well and we respect them hugely but we\u2019re convinced that we can achieve our goal which is to reach the next round,\u201d said Soncin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re a well-organised team when we have to face a team like Spain, a team that keeps the ball a lot\u2026 we need to be very precise when we have the ball at our feet. We have skills, personality and quality in our team and there are plenty of positions from which we can hurt Spain\u2019s defence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spain\u2019s rearguard conceded twice against Belgium, which led to criticism in some quarters. At the same time, however, the world\u2019s number two ranked nation has been rampant in Switzerland scoring 11 goals in their first two matches. But manager Montse Tome cautioned against underestimating the Italians.<\/p>\n
\u201cItaly\u2019s gene is competitive; it\u2019s always been difficult to beat them. They try to play direct, with Girelli and Cantore up front, they\u2019re dangerous, and the whole team quickly joins the attack,\u201d\u00a0said Tome.<\/p>\n
The Spain manager confirmed that she can count on her entire squad, including Aitana Bonmati whose fitness has remained a talking point throughout the group stages after she suffered from viral meningitis before the tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny of the 23 players can play against Italy,\u201d said Tome. \u201cSpain always plays the same game, regardless of the profiles that come out on the field, and they\u2019re all very motivated. We\u2019ll put out the best eleven against Italy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAitana is fine, she\u2019s recovered and ready to compete. We\u2019ve been adapting her progression and have done a good job. She has an enviable physique, and if it were her case, I would have played against Portugal. She\u2019s fit enough to compete, and tomorrow you\u2019ll see what she brings.\u201d<\/p>\n