Gianluigi Buffon, legendary goalkeeper and current head of the Italian delegation, highlighted Spain's great performance, which crushed Croatia (3-0) and will be Italy's next challenge. He described Luis de la Fuente's team as "strong and tough."

Spain's victory serves as a warning to all their rivals. Their next match is on Thursday, the 20th in Gelsenkirchen, against Italy, which had a rough start against Albania but managed to win 2-1. Italy is confident in their chances and remembers the Round of 16 in Euro 2016 when they beat Spain 2-0.

"In Euro 2016, we pulled a fast one on Spain, but that was a Spain at the end of a cycle with key players soon to leave the team. This, however, is a strong and tough team," Buffon said from Iselhorn, where Italy is preparing for the tournament, about 40 km from Dortmund.

"But we are also a growing team that in two years will be near the top, and even now we perform at a high level," he added.

Buffon also praised Luciano Spalletti's team for their good reaction after conceding the fastest goal in Euro history, just 23 seconds into the match, and then coming back to lead by the 16th minute.

"We did well, showing that we are a balanced team with personality. Despite a shocking start that could have destabilized us, we kept working hard in the match. We fully deserved the victory," he assessed.

"The calmness with which we turned the game around was the best sign. There are still things to improve: with a bit more grit and anger, we probably wouldn't have risked losing a crucial victory in the 90th minute," he pointed out.

He also highlighted Spalletti's role: "He always tries to make the most of what he has, sometimes using the stick, sometimes the carrot, all to get the best out of the players."

And he mentioned that he sees similarities with the 2006 World Cup-winning Italy, also in Germany: "There are many similarities, especially in group management."