Bewildered' Italy are battling an identity crisis, writes MATT BARLOW... Luciano Spalletti's side must shake off their existential funk if they intend on defending their European title

MATT BARLOW IN LEIPZIG: One point against Croatia will ensure Italy's defence of the European title extends into the knock-out phase but the champions must escape an existential funk hastened by the sobering nature of defeat against Spain. It was only 1-0 against in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday but the result was flattering. Boss Luciano Spalletti conceded they had been outclassed and a gloomy introspective unfolded about the state of the Azzurri.

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