Football
ESPN staff 8y

Cesc Fabregas: Spain must be at best to overcome Italy

Spain will have to be at their best to beat a strong Italy side in the Euro 2016 round of 16, Cesc Fabregas has said.

A narrow 1-0 opening win against Czech Republic was followed up with an impressive 3-0 demolition of Turkey before an unexpected 2-1 reverse against Croatia meant La Roja qualified from Group D in second place and were drawn to play Group E winners Italy.

Now Spain, who have won the last two European Championships, must put that defeat behind them and find form again in order to progress to the last eight.

"Italy will push us from the very first minute," Fabregas told Marca. "They demand the maximum from their opponents by the way they play.

"We must get back to playing our best football, because it will be a game that requires it as they will not stop running or fighting for the ball.

"They have a very strong defence and make good use of the opportunities presented to them."

Fabregas played down comments made by Chelsea and Spain teammate Pedro about his lack of involvement for the national side during this tournament so far.

"Pedro caught us all a little by surprise, but it's been sorted," he said. "He is training really well and he's a person who is always away from controversy and trouble.

"He said everything that he felt he needed to clarify and nothing more. Everything that has happened has not affected anything in the group."

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