Spain face old foes Italy

Seeking to win an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship, Vicente del Bosque's Spain will once again have to see off old foes Italy to retain their crown.

Before winning back-to-back Euros and a maiden World Cup in 2010, Spain suffered an inferiority complex with Italy, having never beaten them in five tries at major finals.

A quarterfinal clash between the two in Vienna in 2008 changed that. Spain went through in a shootout before going on to win the tournament.

"That is the most important day in the history of the Spanish national team," said captain Iker Casillas.

After winning the World Cup, Spain had to face Italy twice more in retaining the Euros four years ago. A 1-1 draw in the opening match was forgotten as del Bosque's men thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final. La Roja then also won another shootout between the two in the Confederations Cup semifinals in 2013. Indeed, the European champions have lost just one of their last 11 meetings with Italy - a 2-1 friendly defeat in 2011.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been a constant menace to the Azzurri. He scored the winning penalty in 2008, Spain's equaliser in the 2012 opening game and set up David Silva's opener in the final.

Fabregas will also be coming up against his future manager as Antonio Conte will take over at Stamford Bridge next season.

"The way they play will demand the absolute most of us," Fabregas told Spanish sports daily Marca. "We need to get back to playing our best football because they will not stop running and fight for every ball," added Fabregas. "They have a very strong defence and they know how to take their chances."

Conte's men have been unfortunate to find themselves on the tougher side of the draw despite beating topping Group E.

"There is a crazy imbalance in the draw for the second round, but those are the rules and we have to respect them," said Conte.

Juventus stalwart Giorgio Chiellini will return and is hopeful Italy can reverse their recent run against Spain.

"In a way, they're our bogey team," he said. "But let's keep things in perspective. The Ireland match didn't really count for us. And if we play to our potential and give it everything, I think we can create something special."