Spalletti will stick to his guns as he bids to get Italy firing

AFTER a chastening defeat by Spain, there has been plenty of soul searching in Italy ahead of tonight's showdown against Croatia.

- Simon Collings

Italy mustered just one shot on target as they were outplayed in a 1-0 defeat five days ago.

It has led to questions being asked of manager Luciano Spalletti's style of play, especially given his approach revolves around keeping the ball and Italy had just 42.9 per cent possession against Spain.

The defeat has left Italy fighting to make the knockout stages of this Euros and they need a point tonight to guarantee a place in the last-16.

Anything less than that and the holders will have to hope they can sneak through as one of the four best third-place finishers.

"Talk is cheap, you've got to go out there and walk the walk," said Spalletti. "If we don't get a result, we go home. It's this simple."

Spalletti is ready to stick to his guns when it comes to Italy's approach, but he was vowed to make changes to the team.