Italy manager Antonio Conte has claimed that nobody would have wanted to face his country in the group stages of Euro 2016.
The Azzurri were placed in Group F alongside Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, but despite a tricky-looking draw, Conte has said that his team have no reason to fear their opponents.
"It's an interesting group," Conte told reporters. "Belgium are among the favourites, as they have top players and many alternatives too. They beat us in a friendly last month, but above all due to incidents rather than out-playing us.
"Sweden are very physical, tactically organised with their 4-4-2 and the spark of creativity comes from fantastic Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Today Ibra is stronger than he was, because he no longer wanders around the pitch, but stays close to the goal where he can do the most damage. I'd have liked to work with him.
"Finally Ireland, like all Anglo-Saxon sides, play a physical 4-4-2 with great intensity. But nobody likes to face Italy, we are an organised team with ideas who can improve."
Italy have won the European Championship once in their history, and were beaten finalists in the 2012 final.
Alex Meyers
