Italy coach Antonio Conte relishing Spain test

Italy coach Antonio Conte admits the Azzurri face a tough road to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after being placed in the same group as Spain.

Having failed to secure a spot as one of the top seeds for Saturday’s draw in St Petersburg, Russia, Italy always ran the risk of being paired with one of Europe’s top nations.

While the rest of Group G – Albania, Israel, Macedonia and Liechtenstein – is unlikely to worry Conte, he says it would have been nice to avoid reigning European champions Spain in the draw.

Italy have a poor recent record against La Roja, losing six of the last nine meetings against Spain in a run which stretches back to 2000.

Conte believes his team will raise their game when they face Spain and says it could have been worse, claiming a group including reigning world champions Germany would have been much tougher.

“It is a tough group, however, I prefer to think that Spain could boost us,” Conte said.

“I don’t like the word ‘difficult’. It will be a stimulating challenge against one of the strongest in the world. I am sure that we can do well and we can have good performances.

“Spain is not the best draw, but Germany would have been worse.”

“Albania have started playing really well in the Euro qualifying, so they have chances to qualify,” he added.

“On paper, Italy and Spain are the best teams, however, it will be decided on the pitch.”

Before Italy turn their attention to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup they must first make sure of their place in Euro 2016.

The Azzurri, who are 15.00 to win the competition outright, are currently second in their group behind Croatia, while third-placed Norway are just two points behind.