Italy coach Antonio Conte hopes playing Spain in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup will help his team improve and rise up the FIFA rankings.
Conte's men were placed with Spain, Albania, Israel, Macedonia and Liechtenstein in Group G of UEFA's World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018 on Saturday, and Italy's boss feels his side will rise to the occasion against Vicente del Bosque's team of champions.
"It is a tough group, however, I prefer to think that Spain could boost us," Conte said after the draw in St Petersburg.
"We have to face one of the best teams in the world. I am sure that we can do well and we can have good performances."
Those results leave Italy in 17th in FIFA's rankings.
The then-holders were dumped from the 2014 World Cup in the group stages, while they have lost two of their past five matches.
"In theory, Italy and Spain are the favourite teams in the group," Conte said.
"However, Albania have started playing really well in the Euro qualifying, so they have chances to qualify.
"On paper, Italy and Spain are the best teams, however, it will be decided on the pitch."
