Conte wants confident approach from Italy against Spain

A late goal from Robby Brady proved enough for Ireland to beat Italy 1-0 on Wednesday and secure a place for his team in the knockout stages of the European Championship.

His goal, which stemmed from a cross by second-half substitute Wes Hoolahan, came just moments after Hoolahan himself had missed a golden chance to put Ireland ahead. “We must face this situation with the appropriate confidence, because I believe that if we play at our level then we have some good chances of passing into the next round”, the 2010 World Cup victor said.

“And if we play to our potential, give it everything and limit them (Spain) where they are strong, I think we can create something special”.

Ireland delighted its passionate throng of green-clad fans in Lille when Robbie Brady headed an 85th-minute goal to win 1-0 against Italy, which already was sure to top Group E. We deserved to win the game.

“To dominate for the amount of time as we did and play as well as we did throughout the 90 minute was fantastic”.

“In most of our games we have been the better side, apart from the last 20 minutes or so against Croatia”.

“That match in Vienna was very evenly balanced with very few chances for either side, and Monday will also be like that, a very close game where the details can make all the difference”.

“Perhaps we were punished when we were on top of the game, that’s when we conceded”. I remember it in 2002 [at the World Cup], the fans are unbelievable, they drove the boys home.

Ireland had been unfortunate to draw their opener with the Swedes and, while they then suffered a sobering 3-0 loss to Belgium, they did not look to have suffered a loss of confidence against the Azzurri. Celta Vigo’s Nolito also insisted Spain had no one to fear as two-time defending champions despite their hard draw. I have been to some really big sporting events – a Champions League final, GAA finals and The Tour de France – but this was on a different level.

Meanwhile, a day after the fixture was lined up, Italy coach Antonio Conte still finds it odd that his side has to play two-time defending champion Spain in the last 16 draw.

“We have all analyzed the game against Croatia and looked into what needs to be improved”, Soriano said.

“I understand that, as the host nation, you should get some favours. Chile and Netherlands both used a 3-5-2 against us at the 2014 World Cup and we struggled”.