Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was proud of their performance for the draw with Spain.
The Azzurri took the lead with substitute Antonio Di Natale, but three minutes later Cesc Fabregas drew level.
"We accepted the one-on-one all over the field, as we didn't just want to contain them. We had chances and conceded a few," Prandelli told Rai Sport.
"There are great regrets over dropping that lead after only three minutes, as we should've held on to the advantage for much longer.
"The difference from Russia is that we were more of a team and played as unit with greater determination."