The Spaniards secured their qualification as top of the group and will face the Azzurri who ended second of group C on Sunday.

“At this stage of the tournament any opponent was going to be difficult. But they (Italy) aren't the team I would have most liked to have met. Defensively they are almost perfect,” Aragones told Marca.

However the Spanish tactician is adamant that he has the tools to beat the Italians and continue his successful campaign.

Spain have emerged as hot favorites for this year’s title after their victories over Russia 4-1 and Sweden 2-1.