Playing the game against an opponent that, by definition, plays the game. In the heart of the Arena AufSchalke, where a giant photograph of Italy's European Championship team from three years ago greets visitors, Luciano Spalletti spoke about Spain vs. Italy, reiterating a concept he likely conveyed to the team as soon as they returned to the locker room after the victory against Albania. If there's a way to beat Spain and secure qualification for the Round of 16 in EURO 2024, it's by playing assertively and not being passive. "If you give control to the opponents, you won't come out of a match like this well," says Spalletti. "We will also try to take control of the game. Let's see if we can do it against one of the strongest teams. Let's show that the Italian football philosophy is important too".

When asked if Thursday night's match is one of the most important of his career, Spalletti ranked it among the top: "I've had a few, but this one is definitely at that level. The players, when they reach my age and have stories to tell, will know that this is one of those matches from which such stories are born." Spain has made history with their revolutionary style of play, characterised by almost obsessive possession. Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets are no longer there, but the characteristics remain similar, even if not identical. "The 'football school' of Spain has become what it is because they have consistently played the same style, maintaining this idea for years. They have recognisable qualities and characteristics, both individually and as a team: our reaction times will need to be quicker."

Another concept that Spalletti emphasised was the reaction speed. "Croatia had a couple of breaks and were punished, we must be quick to recognise what they want to do and ensure they don't 'take us for a ride'. We're dressed by Giorgio Armani, known worldwide, we will take to the field aiming to play with the same style as against Albania, maintaining a strong desire to dictate the game even against one of the most important football schools. We don't want to regret not doing our own things. We dress well but we're also prepared to get our hands dirty if necessary".

Spalletti had praise for Morata: "Among the forwards they have, he is the best at attacking from deep, he covers important spaces and often runs in behind the defensive line". He also had praise for wonderkid Yamal: "He picks up the ball from deep but also to his feet. They have wide players who excel in one-on-one situations and counterattacks, which are deadly in open spaces." There is respect and admiration, but not fear or a sense of starting defeated: "I'm more concerned about the level of football that we need to play. That's the key to unlocking the game. You shouldn't (Spalletti addressed the Spanish journalists) think of yourselves as stronger than you are. That would be a mistake".

Tactically, the coach envisions the game like this: "They will keep their players high to press, even pressing the goalkeeper. We need to be good at finding the free player quickly, and if there isn't one, we'll be forced to play long balls towards the attackers." The first question at the Gelsenkirchen press conference was about potential penalty takers: "We have many. Retegui, Scamacca, Barella, but Dimarco can also take them, as well as Calafiori and Jorginho." Spalletti couldn't help but mention someone who, with a penalty, eliminated Spain in the semifinal at Wembley, the match that paved the way for the title Italy are defending today.