Spain's Thiago Alcantara ahead of the holders' last 16 match against Group E winners Italy in the European Championship on Monday at the Stade de France.

"SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Thiago Alcantara, Spain midfielder:

"They have a winning mentality. Italy is one of the world's grestest national teams. It is very difficult to create a scoring chances when playing against them because they are very well organised in defence. They also attack well but they are especially good in the defence. They have both scored and let in very few goals. But they have been able to achieve good results. So we expect a very tough game. Not only myself as an attacking midfielder but as a player. It is always a tough task to play against an Italian team and even more so against this team."

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Thiago Alcantara, Spain midfielder:

"It will be difficult anyway. It was before and it will be this next time around. If they improve their attacking side it doesn't mean they will put less attention on their defence. They know what they are doing. They have a great squad. They have a great mindset
when it comes to elite sports.