Daniele De Rossi delighted with Spain point

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi was thrilled to get a point from their Group C opener with defending champions Spain.

The Azzurri took the lead through Antonio Di Natale before Cesc Fabregas levelled the match for the Spaniards just a few minutes later as the game finished 1-1. The Roma player found himself in an unusual position as part of a three-man defence and has praised his teammates as the reason for him adapting so well.

"The draw against Spain gives us great confidence, because it was the hardest game in our group. Being in front of such an opponent was amazing," said De Rossi.

"There's been some noise around us that did not help us and after the defeat against Russia, it was normal to think of a catastrophe but it was not so, we ended up having a good game.

"I was hoping to make the step up at this level and I must thank my fellow defenders, they were great."

Italy next face Croatia on Thursday in Group C.