Spain coach Luis Aragonés has praised Italian football before his team's game against the Azzurri tonight. World champions Italy visit Elche having been hailed as "winners" and "opponents worth imitating".

Aragonés said: "We have to imitate Italian football in many ways. Although we have a different style, we are following their example because that is the only way to be able to win. Spain aren't among the favourites for the European title because we have never done great things."