The Japan Times - Italy can hurt rampant Spain, says coach Soncin

Italy sit second in Group B, two points behind Spain and three above third-paced Portugal, meaning anything but defeat in Bern will guarantee them a spot in the quarter-finals.

Soncin is convinced his team can do Spain damage after an impressive draw with La Roja in October and a positive Nations League campaign.

"It was a different situation (the 1-1 draw last year) but we know them well," said Soncin.

"We're a well-organised team when we have to face a team like Spain, a team that keeps the ball a lot... we need to be very precise when we have the ball at our feet

"We have skills, personality and quality in our team and there are plenty of positions from which we can hurt Spain's defence.

"We've played them a few times since I took charge... so we know each other well and we respect them hugely but we're convinced that we can achieve our goal which is to reach the next round."

Italy have the luxury of being able to qualify even if they lose, as the Azzurre have a goal difference which is six better than Portugal who face eliminated Belgium.

Soncin's team have the second best defensive record in the tournament with one goal conceded and are also second behind Spain for shots on target despite only scoring twice.

But Spain have rattled in 11 goals in two matches and so far have looked a level above every other team in the tournament, meaning a significant swing in Italy and Portugal's goal difference is far from impossible.

"Let's hope we can maintain it (the defensive record) tomorrow," said forward Arianna Caruso.

"We need to be more accurate in front of goal because we get plenty of players forward often enough, so if we defend well we manage to score goals I don't see why we can't progress."

K.Yamaguchi--JT