Italy head coach Antonio Conte said on Wednesday that playing a friendly against Spain so soon after the Brussels bombings would be an opportunity "to respond to those that wish to put fear into us".

SOUNDBITE (Italian): Antonio Conte, Italy head coach (on playing football so soon after the attacks in Brussels):
"Despite what has happened, for a sporting event like this it is important that you look to prepare yourself in the best way possible. I also think it offers a good way to respond to those that are trying to put fear into us."

SOUNDBITE (Italian): Antonio Conte, Italy head coach (on the prospect of Euro 2016 games being played behind closed doors):
"If there is going to be such strong security that there won't be fans in the stadia that would a massive thing. It can't be like this even though we must be as careful as possible."

SOUNDBITE (Italian): Antonio Conte, Italy head coach (on what he wants to get out of these friendlies):
"The biggest value in these matches against Spain and Germany is - and I've seen this in training - the players are ready to prove that they deserve to be part of the squad for the Euros."

SOUNDBITE (Italian): Antonio Conte, Italy head coach (on whether he regrets making the announcement he would stop coaching Italy after Euro 2016):
"What I have found (since making the announcement) is that it's disappointing that often you see people try to find controversy in everything, to create a big headline and stir up trouble. It is a discredit. This is a fantastic experience and there was never a day when I regretted my choice. Quite the opposite."