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Euro 2020: Mancini wary of ‘extraordinary’ Spain, Enrique expects tough semi-final clash

ITALY have been in very impressive form but their head coach Roberto Mancini knows that they are up against a top team in Spain.

The Azzurri are unbeaten in 32 matches under the former Manchester City manager and have won their last 13 matches.

However, Mancini is playing up Spain’s greatness ahead of Tuesday night’s Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley Stadium.

“It will be difficult, even if Spain are different from Belgium,” the former Italy striker said. “It will not be the same kind of game compared to the previous one, but it will present many difficulties for sure.

“Spain have been extraordinary for years, even if now there has been a change and they are a younger side. They have a good coach and very good players.”

Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 the last time they met in a major tournament, in the final of the European Championship in 2012.

Still, Enrique believes this is a different Italy side who play attractive and effective football.

“I don’t think both of us can dominate, so it’ll be interesting to see who wins this tussle,” Enrique said in his match preview.

“Apart from having top players, Italy are a real team. They attack and defend as a unit, which is really similar to what we do.

“They also employ a high press, which it would be hard to imagine an Italian side from the past doing. Now they’re strong in several ways of playing, meaning that the game will be really interesting. Both teams will have their moments.”

Italy’s veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci is also poised for a tough time against the Spaniards.

“Spain have been criticised but Luis Enrique was right to shield their team and unite the group even more,” the Juventus centre-back said.

“They are very united in their starting XI and the entire squad. When you meet such a mentally strong team, the game is always difficult. But if we show the Italy of the last 30 games, we can certainly achieve the result we want.”

Spain youngster Pedri, 18, has lit up the tournament with his mature midfield play, and he expects most of the battle to be in that section.

“Both teams have a very strong midfield and a great deal of quality in that area of the pitch,” the Barcelona starlet said.

“It’s going to be a very hotly-contested match in midfield. The team that gets the better of it will be the team that makes the fewest mistakes.”

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