Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic believes that Italy's mixture of youth and experience will prove lethal at Euro 2012.

The two sides meet in Group C on Thursday where the Croats can secure qualification to the quarter-finals with a victory after they beat the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in their opening game. However, Rakitic feels the task won't be easy due to blend of ages in the Azzurri squad.

"I know the quality of Spain and Italy - that the Italians have experience and were world champions, while Spain are currently the strongest team around," said Rakitic.

"On the day you have to be 100 percent ready and you have to be self-confident. These teams have a great chance of doing well at the tournament so we need to be at our best.

"I think Italy will be very strong at this tournament.

"They have a good mix of youth and experienced players who have been to many tournaments, so they will be tough opponents for us."

Italy drew with reigning World and European champions Spain 1-1 in their Group C opener on Sunday.