Manuel Locatelli: 'Italy Under-21s can beat Spain Under-21s'

Italy Under-21s midfielder Manuel Locatelli has insisted that his team have the credentials to overcome Spain Under-21s in the semi-finals of the Under-21 European Championships on Tuesday night.

Italy beat Germany Under-21s 1-0 in their final group match to reach the final four of the competition in Poland, and they will meet tournament favourites Spain for a position in the final.

AC Milan's Locatelli has also paid tribute to Italy's character for bouncing back from a surprise 3-1 defeat to Czech Republic to overcome Germany and reach the semi-finals.

"It was a slip-up against the Czech Republic, but we looked each other in the eye and reacted with a great performance," Locatelli told reporters.

"The worst thing was being told we were spoilt, as that had nothing to do with it and only we know what happens in the locker room. Now we've got an important semi-final and need to focus only on that.

"We can beat Spain and we must. They are a truly great squad, but we will have our say. They pass the ball around well, but we have to focus on our own characteristics. No game is to be taken for granted, we are capable of winning and hope to do so."

Locatelli scored twice in 28 appearances for Milan during the 2016-17 campaign.