After being drawn with European champions Spain in group G of the World Cup 2018 Russia qualifying matches, Antonio Conte is motivated to gain positive results against La Furia Roja to top the group.
Italy will make their push to qualify up against Albania, Israel, Macedonia, Liechtenstein, and fellow heavyweights Spain, who famously demolished the Azzurri 4-0 in the 2012 final of the tournament held in Poland and Ukraine.
“Tackling an opponent with the quality of Spain should be a great stimulus for both the national Italian football movement and for all of Italy,” said Conte to ANSA.
“Certainly it will be a fascinating double challenge between the Azzurri and the current holders… We hope to serve them a grudge match.
“Our first thought, however, must now be turned to the qualifying matches of Euro 2016 [in France], and we have to give everything to gain access to the final stage.”
