SPAIN
Morata warns of Italy's "tactically perfect" centre-backs
Álvaro Morata has inside knowledge about everyone in the Italy team: "Once they take the take the lead, it's very difficult to get back into contention".
If one member of the Spain team has privileged knowledge about Monday's Euro 2016 rivals Italy, it's Álvaro Morata. He spoke about Antonio Conte's team on the eve of the game and warned that Italy's tactical expertise will be the biggest hurdle the defending champions must overcome in Paris tomorrow.
Comparisons between Sergio Ramos and Italy's three-man defence: “It's difficult to compare players who are allat such a high level. Ramos is very important for us and he's also our captain. Italy have a very good defence, but we are also very good at the back. It'll be a very close game”.
Italy: “Tactically, they are one of the best national sides around and if they take the lead, it becomes even more difficult to score against them. But we're not thinking about that. If we play like Spain know how, we can beat them”.
Juventus trio, Chiellini, Barzagli and Bonucci: “All of those who I was team mates with helped me in every way possible - and I really needed their help - in understanding tactics, the city… All of the love they have for me, I have for them. Football's like that”.
What is the best way of attacking Italy's three centre-backs? "It's difficult to attack them - they're specialists. Technically, they are almost perfect".
Zaza's comments about your new haircut: “I think the analogy of me cutting my hair and then scoring goals is just coincidence. I speak to him almost every day and we are always joking to each other”.
Test fo maturity in tomorrow's game: “If the coach puts me on from the start it will be one of the most important games of my career. It's a pleasure to play against an Italian defence but it will also be difficult. I don't feel under pressure because all of my team mates have helped me to feel comfortable and you need that in football. I hope it all turns out well for us”.
In what ways have you improved during your time at Juventus? “I have improved, above all tactically; before, I didn't really have much of an idea about it. I have improved a lot of aspects to my game because for any striker, Italian defences are tough to attack and that has helped me to improve in that area”.