Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admits they wanted to avoid Italy in their Euro2024 group draw.
The two nations have been grouped together, along with Croatia and Albania.
De la Fuente said: It is a tough draw. Italy and Croatia won't be happy to have been placed in a group with Spain either and it is certainly the toughest group in the tournament, the group of death.
This group will call for us to give our best, but Spain feel strong and I am sure our rivals are not pleased either.
Nobody wanted to get Italy as they are a great team who really compete in tournaments. Croatia have been getting great results over the years with some excellent players. As for Albania, they finished first in their qualifying group.
We need to start strong, as the first two games against Croatia and Italy, but my experience tells me that those who won a great deal enter these tournaments with the best concentration."
