Antonio Conte: 'Spain clash will be difficult'

Italy boss Antonio Conte has suggested that his team will need luck on their side in order to overcome Spain in the last-16 stage of Euro 2016 on Monday.

Italy will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night, but the Azzurri topped Group E, while Spain could only finish second in Group D.

Conte, however, has branded Spain "one of the best sides in the world" ahead of what is a rematch of the Euro 2012 final, when Spain claimed the title with a 4-0 win.

"What do I need to say about Spain? Do you want me to tell you they're rubbish? What should I say? We're coming up against one of the best sides in the world. End of. Unless I've come down from the moon and think Spain are just a sparring partner," Conte told reporters.

Conte will leave his position with the Italian national team at the end of the championships to take charge of Chelsea.