Football
Associated Press 8y

Spain to stick with passing style against defensive Italy - Thiago

Spain are pledging to stick to their renowned passing game to try to break through Italy's equally famous defence in the round of 16 of Euro 2016 on Monday.

Speaking about the challenge presented by Italy as one of Europe's best defending sides, Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara said at a news conference: "It's difficult to score and it's difficult to create opportunities against them."

On Spain's style of play he added: "We got the results with this approach, let's not forget.

"Our football is no longer just based on the midfield. We have midfielders who know how to control the ball, wingers who push up and defenders who can mark with or without a reference point.

"We can play with various styles, but always based on passing play."

Spain will need to stay patient and keep the ball for as long as possible to create scoring chances against their old rival in Monday's match at Stade de France.

Under the command of Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, Spain finished the group stage as the most accurate passing team of the tournament, completing 93 percent of their passes.

They also had the most passing attempts among all 24 teams that started the tournament, with 2,023. That was nearly double Italy's tally in their three games.

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