Pellè: Italy are ready for Spain

The two countries are set to go head-to-head, in Saint-Denis, on Monday (5pm BST), in what is the standout tie from the first round of knockout matches.

Having topped a challenging Group E, which also featured Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Sweden, the Azzurri might feel somewhat unfortunate to have been pitted against Spain so soon.

However, Pellè says there is no sense of frustration.

“We are focused on what we want to do,” he told The Guardian. “We know if we want to be the champions, we have to beat at least two good teams and, indeed, the champions themselves.

“When you start to play the quarter-finals or semi-finals, whether you like it or not, you have to beat some really good teams.

“We have one now and we will get more later, if we are going to go and go, but we are ready to compete with everybody.”