After Spain failed to secure the top spot in Group D, La Roja will now face Group E winners Italy. Former F.C. Barcelona captain claims the last 16 match against the Italians will be a difficult challenge for his ex-teammates but believes they are capable of clinching a victory.
Xavi, 36, is arguably the best player to have ever played for the Spanish national team, as much of La Roja's success achieved in the past decade is owed to him.
UEFA Euro 2008 winners
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UEFA Euro 2012 winners
In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the current Al Sadd midfielder revealed his thoughts about this anticipated match and how he fears for Spain.
"Possession is not the priority for Italy, and Spain suffers without the ball. Italy does not. That is the big difference between the teams.
"Sincerely I think that for their philosophy, character and competitiveness, Italy is the most uncomfortable opposition for the Spanish national team.
"The history of Italy has been constructed through their competitive spirit, and so Spain has always had a fear of Italy."
Xavi added:
"Of course, when they used to play against us some years ago, they were more confident, now they are less so. This has also become a problematic game for them.
"Italy are a mix of Barca and Atletico [Madrid].
"Chile and Holland used a 3-5-2 against us at the last World Cup, and we were beaten. It is a tough formation for teams who want to press high up the pitch. When Italy move the ball they have the three centre-backs, and five midfielders, and it is difficult to press them."
The Barcelona legend also admits he is disappointed by the early meeting between these two sides.
"It is a shame that this game has arrived so soon. It could easily have been a semi-final or even a final, taking into account the level shown by all the teams in this European Championships. Watching the tournament, for me, both Italy and Spain are candidates to play the final."
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