Scott Parker preparing for 'tough' Italy match

England midfielder Scott Parker believes that beating quarter-final opponents Italy will prove a tough task at Euro 2012.

The Three Lions reached the last eight after advancing as Group D winners following their 1-0 win over Ukraine and France's shock 2-0 defeat to Sweden which resulted in Les Bleus finishing second.

Parker's side now meet Italy who qualified as Group C runners-up behind Spain, and the Tottenham Hotspur man knows that he needs to prepare for a difficult fixture.

"A tough game," Parker said on the prospect of facing the Azzurri.

"A good squad and a good team. We'll go and prepare now. We've obviously got an extra day which is crucial to us."

England face Italy in the knockout stages of Euro 2012 in Kiev on Sunday.