Opinion: Florenzi demonstrates his worth to Italy

Conte, who set his team out in a 3-4-3 formation, would've been overjoyed by the way his charges adhered to his instructions to press and impose themselves on the 2010 World Cup champions.

This approach successfully managed to disrupt La Roja from getting their usually slick passing game going, in a match where the Italians were undoubtedly the more impressive side.

“I got the response I was looking for against a very strong side like Spain,” Conte told Rai Sport.

“We must continue working with humility, focusing on the enthusiasm of these lads. I cannot ask for more in terms of attitude in training. We just need to keep our heads down and keep working.

“I can guarantee to all Italians that we will be a team. This is an excellent group made up of good lads who love the shirt and want to represent Italy."

One man who definitely embodies Conte's philosophy is AS Roma's all-action star Alessandro Florenzi.

From his right wing-back position, the only AS Roma player to feature on the night provided his side with a constant source of attacking impetus, while making sure to never neglect his defensive duties.

Indeed he was a beacon of unwavering commitment and determination throughout, as the match was definitely not treated as a friendly by the talented 25-year-old.

At every available opportunity he propelled himself forward down the right to provide valuable width to his side.

Duly helped by right winger, Antonio Candreva, who would regularly drift infield to create space for Florenzi, the pair displayed an excellent understanding that successfully conspired to cause many headaches for Spain's fullback, Cesar Azpilicueta.

It came as little surprise then that Florenzi played a vital role in instigating Italy's goal when he charged upfield and found substitute Federico Bernardeschi with a killer pass to kick-start the move that Lorenzo Insigne finished off.

Meanwhile, despite his offensive enthusiasm, he always undertook his defensive assignments with intensity and diligence. He made sure to track Alvaro Morata whenever he was in his area of operation and handed him over seamlessly to right sided centre-back, Matteo Darmian, when the Juventus man ventured infield. Florenzi would notably return the favour for Darmian when he pushed forward and needed support too.

Arguably, aside from also exhibiting his tidy range of passing, astonishing appetite for work and physical strength, the most valuable aspect of his performance came from the splendid relationships he formed with his colleagues on the right in Candreva and Darmian.

Both with, and without, the ball Florenzi and his right-sided partners in crime helped each other in all areas of the pitch, as they were never afraid to sacrifice themselves for the overall good of the team. And it unquestionably showed and would've been something Conte would've certainly loved seeing.

After the match, the Italian manager singled out Florenzi for special praise, knowing full well how crucial he was against La Roja.

"Florenzi's a versatile player with quality and a good engine,” he explained. “He's a humble guy who works hard. He's grown a lot. It's incredible how much he has improved."

With Italy facing Germany in their next friendly on Tuesday night, expect more of the same from the tireless, indomitable Florenzi.

Whether playing for club or country, you can guarantee he'll do absolutely everything in his power to help the cause. His energy, fighting spirit and selflessness always sees to it.