Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is ‘convinced’ the Azzurri will come up against Spain in the World Cup this summer.
The pair met twice at Euro 2012, in the group stages and in the final. And the Coach has claimed that his men are likely to face La Roja in Brazil.
“We will face a strong team, which is being renewed without any drop in the quality of their play," he told reporters at the unveiling of their new kit.
“It would have been better not to play this game, in my opinion, but organisers imposed it upon us.
“I didn't want to play it because I'm convinced of progressing in the World Cup and I'm convinced that we will meet again then.”
Prandelli is also concerned that Italy's fans will read too much into the outcome of Wednesday's friendly at the Vicente Calderon.
"In Italy, because of the way we are, the result counts for so much.
“If we win on Wednesday, everyone will think that we're already in the semi-finals of the World Cup! If we lose, it'll be a disaster.
“Of course, if we draw it will have served no purpose.”
