The Azzurri coach was in a tactical mood ahead of the meeting between two countries responsible for winning three of the last four European Championships

Luciano Spalletti had some clear advice for his Italy players ahead of what he is calling one of the biggest games of his career: Be like John Stones.

The Azzurri coach was in a tactical mood ahead of the meeting between two countries responsible for winning three of the last four European Championships.

Holders Italy began their campaign in Germany by going a goal down to Albania after 23 seconds in Dortmund before recovering to win 2-1, but they go into the meeting of Group B's two big hitters behind Spain in the group on goal difference.

A new-look Spanish side thrilled onlookers in their 3-0 win over Croatia in their first game, with the technical quality of young wingers Nico Williams, 21, and the 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal key to the victory in Berlin.

"We have tried to raise the technical ability in the squad," he said. "I said the slogan [before the tournament] 'we're all No.10s' because these days the full-backs also operate as wingers.

Luciano Spalletti has challenged his players to be more like John Stones ( Image:

"So you need to be able to do a bit of everything, and the more players you have that can beat opposition players the better. But it's also important to have players who can't be dribbled past. You need to strike the right balance.

"Based on what we've seen so far of course we do need to tweak a few things, but I think we're on the right track."

Stones has caught the eye of the Italy boss ( Image:

A win in Gelsenkirchen would ensure qualification for the last-16, although both sides are likely to advance anyway, and former Roma, Inter Milan and Napoli boss Spalletti is seeing the opportunity as a privilege.

"It is one of the most important matches of my career," he said.

"I've already been through some important games but this is certainly one of those that's right up there. We all have a story to tell, and when the players get to my age they will know that, and this is one of those matches that could give them a tale to tell in the future."