‘Italy will want revenge’

Vicente del Bosque believes that Italy will approach this week’s Confederations Cup semi-final with Spain with ‘the spirit of revenge’.

Italy are at the competition as European representatives having finished runners-up at Euro 2012 to world champions Spain.

Because of the 4-0 score-line from that competition final last summer in La Roja’s favour, the Spaniards’ Coach is already wary of what to expect from the Azzurri this Thursday for this summer’s semi-final, set up thanks to Spain’s 3-0 win over Nigeria winning Group B.

“Italy are a tough opponent, one of the greats of European and world football.” Del Bosque told reporters post-match.

“Our challenge is to get to the final on June 30, but we must overcome Italy who will still be fresh from the European Championship Final and will come into this game with the spirit of revenge.

“Few things have changed in both squads. We have both maintained a stable block and the same Coaches.”

Jordi Alba scored twice in Sunday evening’s win over the Nigerians.

“I’m a Coach of players more so than systems. We have an order of play and a drawing from which to start, but that is in the picture so as to demonstrate the responsibility of Jordi Alba and the other players.

“Jordi has been immense here, but the key to our game is that everyone contributes a little to defence, a little from the midfielders and the forwards. And that richness is the difficulty for opponents.”

Roberto Soldado started the game but, after missing a couple of chances to score, was replaced by Fernando Torres, who scored Spain’s other goal with a header.

“Soldado did a good job, with good forward runs that have enabled him to reach positions by merit at that time and in the second half came Torres, who scored a goal of a pure striker. I’m happy with both.”

Del Bosque also reflected on the game in general.

“The heat was tremendous. Fortunately in the second half we played a little more closed and we had to make less of an effort. It has not been easy.

“Instead, it has been particularly difficult in the first half, in which Nigeria had possession, playing with depth and worked their way into our area.

“In my opinion it has been a short result for both teams, because both deserved more goals.

“Nigeria played a very dynamic style of play and were positive, always looking for victory. They gambled very little in the midfield and were always looking forward.

“The crowd cheered for Nigeria? The Brazilian public sees the threat of Spain for the title and it is normal that they take the sides of the opponents.

“This is strictly sporting, because in the street, in training and at the hotel we have noticed their affection.

“The weather? It is amazing that there is moisture. Luckily we have very technical players that allow us to save energy at certain times.”

Tags Confederations Cup Del Bosque Italy Nigeria Spain
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