Vicente del Bosque acknowledges Italy's system has caused Spain problems in the past but he expects the European champions to shine in Monday's Euro 2016 last-16 clash.
Del Bosque and his players crashed out of the 2014 World Cup at the first hurdle, unable to take their title defence into the knockout stages after humbling losses to Netherlands and Chile.
"I think we've made some tweaks so everyone knows what they have to do," he told a pre-match news conference in Saint-Denis.
"In the last game against Italy in Udine they played like this.
"We have had one or two problems against similar systems but hopefully we play our game, so they're worrying about us and we're not worrying about them."
Monday's match is a re-run of the Euro 2012 final, in which Spain thrashed Italy 4-0.
"I think the game was conditioned by a lot of things," he explained. "Italy were very tired when they got to the final.
"Physically they had some injuries so they weren't the real Italy that they are now.
"I think they are a lot better. They were a bit knackered when they got to the final and we took advantage."
"He said they don't think they are favourites? I don't believe him," said the Spain midfielder.
"They have a great manager. From what I've seen he studies a lot and knows the opponent.
"We have to see on the pitch and hope that Spain are better."
