To be or Not be Torres

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Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque faced over twenty–four hours of criticism in the Spanish sporting press following his team’s 1-1 draw with Italy in Gdansk on Sunday afternoon. With even some added stories circulating that he was extremely annoyed after the match and there was a row of sorts within the team. A matter he clarified in the press conference on Tuesday at the impressive training facilities in Gniewino, reassuring the media there was nothing of the sort. 

In fact, he was happy enough with the result given it was the first game. 

But ahead of the match with the Republic of Ireland, Del Bosque was unwilling to share any team selections, claiming he had yet to decide on the final eleven and so would wait a further few days. Not surprising given the team selection for Spain’s opening EURO 2012 match attracted the most heat, and the decision not to pick a traditional centre forward from the kick off, in the shape of either Fernando - Llorente or Torres – the main talking point. 

The choice of Cesc Fabregas to start and relying on the midfielders to break forward when on the edge of the box seems to have been the issue for the Spanish press. The fact that Fabregas then scored the equaliser spared the blushes all round and seems to have justified Del Bosque’s decision. At least in the manager’s mind anyway. 

However, the media remain unimpressed, even if they should not be totally surprised. All e too influenced perhaps by the success of Llorente in Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League campaign this season. 

During his time at Real Madrid, del Bosque did same with Guti, pushing him into the hole, with the freedom to attack the box anytime there was a chance on. The result was winning La Liga in 2001 and 2003 - doing so without solely relying on a Fernando Morientes or Ronaldo type to score the goals. Probably easier to do when the calibre of player includes Luis Figo, Zidane or Raul. Indeed in South Africa Torres was only used as an impact sub in their world cup winning campaign, and only started twice – being substituted on both occasions by Fabregas or Juana Mata. 

It was Luis Aragones, the Spanish coach in 2008, who relied on the explosive Torres speed to deliver goals. But that was then and in the now the Chelsea striker has lost some of that zip. Anyway, it is a moot point given that the great Brazil side of 1970 World Cup also had no recognised centre forward. 

Coach Mario Zagalo faced a headache as he tried not only to accommodate five players in the national squad - all playing centre forward at their clubs - but also making the combination work for Brazil. And at a major tournament as well. 

As football history records the result was a work of beauty as the five midfielders also had exceptional scoring ability and most did so by breaking into the space left vacant by the lack of a traditional number 9. Even today there are few arguments as to the formation Zagalo chose for those weeks in July, especially as Rivelino, Gerson, Pele, Tostao or Jairzinho all got on the score sheet during the tournament. 

Regardless of those facts, Del Bosque was clear about one thing ahead of Thursday’s match was that the discipline and structure typify the Republic of Ireland and it means that Spain will have to work on breaking down that lack of space. A diagnosis which shows a healthy respect it would seem for the Giovanni Trapattoni system, rather than any outright fear that Spain are vulnerable to a major threat from Ireland in their second match. 

But at Tuesday’s training session there were few clues as to Del Bosque’s thinking as the practice match saw the two teams play with Juanfran, Javi Martínez, Albiol, Busquets, Xavi, Cesc, Pedro, Mata and Torres on one side and Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Arbeloa, Jordi Alba, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla, Iniesta, Silva, Llorente and Negredo on the other. The only topic of note being that Torres scored a hat-trick. 

In the aftermath of the Italy game the Spanish players had few complaints other than some comments about the state of the pitch on the day. But Del Bosque was quick to ensure that it was not an excuse for the result and they would not be taking the issue much further. For the Ireland game the venue was the same and Spain would just get on with it – whatever the teams was on the night. For the waiting Spanish media the only clue Del Bosque did give was that he would be selecting a number 9 for the game. 

The general consensus is that whoever takes the ninth spot on the team sheet it is unlikely to be Fernando Torres.

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El Profesor Plans Another Win in Kyiv

The Night Lippi Hauled Pirlo Ashore

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On a rainy night in the coastal town of Bari in 2009, the Republic of Ireland battled out a 1-1 draw with a ten man Italian team that played their home 2010 Group World cup bereft of style, imagination or flair. Perhaps not surprisingly as their manager, Marcello Lippi had seen Giampaolo Pazzini sent off after just three minutes of play, by aptly named German referee Wolfgang Stark, and their ryhtmn was disrupted. The Italian manager also faced the haunting spectre of his predecessor, Giovanni Trapattoni, famed in the darks arts of defensive eleven aside football in the opposite dugout. 

Obviously with only ten men left standing it was going to be a long night - even for Italy - one imagined. 

However, Lippi’s agony was to prove short lived as Vincenzo Iaquinta scored within seven minutes and Italy went into the lead. At which stage the ability on the Italian team sheet looked as if it would settle matters pretty quickly, as Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Grosso, Zambrotta and goalkeeper Guianluigi Buffon woudl take command. Regretfully for the Bari fans the game became all about protecting the one goal advantage and remained so until the bitter end. Rather than trying to impose the superiority of Serie A over the Republic of Ireland players, most of whom had no Champions League experience and only a handful even playing regularly at their Premier League clubs. 

But such is the psychology of Italian football, or perhaps just Marcello Lippi, as on that night a most bizarre decision was made – attracting minimal comment at the time – which was the substitution of Andrea Pirlo in the 46th minute. With the AC Milan player suffering from no obvious injury. 

In fact the opposite, as he had single-handedly created a number of attacking chances for Italy and forced the Irish players deep in to their half time after time. Those dinky passes over the top, combined with those whipped along the ground - that Andrea Pirlo has made his trademark over the years - becoming a nightmare for the Irish defenders – always happier just heading the ball out for a corner. 

From the moment Angelo Palombo came on, a more robust style of midfielder with less of the deft touches, the game was lost for Italy and they seemed happy to withdraw deeper into their half. 

As the clocked ticked by Lippi’s troops started to look even two players short on the field, as the Irish bombarded high balls into the box and Italy could not escape the Irish siege - with no-one able to release those quick counter attacking passes at will. Which in the 88th minute saw Irish captain Robbie Keane pounced on a half chance after the Italian defenders failed to clear a ball – giving Ireland a vital away point - and punishing Lippi for his negative thoughts. 

As a world cup winning manager in 2006 the decision by Lippi in Bari that night has always seemed unusual – but probably no surprise given the history of Italian football. 

In Ireland that April 1st result vindicated the choice of Trapattoni as the national manager by the Football Association of Ireland, as the man born in Cusano Milanino on St Patrick’s Day 1939 staved off a possible massacre– and also secured an invaluable point. But for all intents and purposes, the post match analysis sounded a trite triumphalist and the printed press rather indulgent in their assessment of those 90 minutes of football on that night. Not one capturing the  impact of Pirlo being hauled ashore at the halfway stage.

But as only sport can balance things, in the return leg at Croke Park a late Sean St. Ledger goal three minutes from time looked to have sealed the three home points for Il Trap. Only for Alberto Gilardino to finish off the last Italian counter attack just on the whistle - to share the spoils in Dublin - and leaving an Irish nation pondering a sense of defeat given that Glen Whelan had put Ireland ahead after eight minutes. 

But then again it should not have been tales of the unexpected given the Italian form at the 2006 World Cup. 

Having arrived in Germany with little expectation and plagued by a domestic match fixing scandal,  Lippi’s unlikely lads marched from their opening win in Hanover against Ghana all the way to Berlin on July 9th – despatching Ukraine 3-0, Germany on penalties and a ten man France along the way. Not forgetting the most polemic moment at the Fritz-Walter Stadion in Kaislerslautern against Australia in the round of 16, when Francesco Totti converted a controversial injury time penalty awarded by Spanish referee, Luis Medina Cantalejo aginst Lucas Neill. 

Six years on Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo are two survivors of that match and now a key part of the EURO 2012 campaign. Where Italy have deservedly reached the final  - and without controversy so far - and playing in a different,  yet the same,  style for an Italian team. 

Under Cesare Prandelli they have shown a flexibility and work rate hitherto unknown, alll built  on their fundamental principle of football - strong defending. All to great effect. 

Now though armed with the nascent Mario Balotelli, who is ready to strike at goal just on sight. and like Paulo Rossi in 1982, Toto Schillaci in 1990 or Roberto Baggio in 1994 - is a player on tournament form.  Aided and abtted by the unsung hero of the team is in many ways, Antonio Cassano, himself just back playing after heart surgery earlier in the year, running his socks off up front for his nation’s cause. Ably supported by a cast of others that Prandelli has playing an attacking counter attacking game all pleasing to the eye. With deadly effect as German coach, Joachim Loew, found out in Warsaw on Thursday night. 

But undoubtedly the player of the tournament in-waiting, Andrea Pirlo, is where Italy have their best weapon. 

A strange turn for a player discarded on a free transfer a year ago by Milan, who has since shown a level of form at 33 years of age that can only draw superlatives. Deservedly so given that his Scudetto winning season with Juventus seems to have reinvigorated the Lombardy legend, with his 120 minute display against England a lesson for any aspiring midfielder to learn from. With a special section allotted to penalty taking alone, given the way he deftly dealt with Joe Hart's shouting and screaming in the England goalmouth in Kyiv a week ago. 

In next Sunday night’s final Pirlo will play a major role again no doubt and crown an unlikely Italian victory at EURO 2012 final in Kyiv – given the pre tournament punditry. Crowning his own glittering career with another UEFA trophy no doubt, as the most outstanding on the field contributor over the past three weeks. If so, it would be very well deserved. 

Wonder what Marcello Lippi and Giovanni Trapattoni will be thinking if that happens? 

Answers on a postcard please…. 

Ciao! 

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Fab Spain Penalties End Ronaldo Dream

Cesc Fabregas fired Spain through to the Euro 2012 final after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal following a tense semi-final in Donetsk which ended 0-0.

The Barcelona midfielder squeezed home his effort from the spot via the inside of the post to give Vicente del Bosque's men the opportunity to defend the European Championship crown they claimed four years ago.

Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves missed their efforts for Portugal as captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had missed his side's best chance in the last minute of normal time, was inexplicably not among the first four takers.

Portugal were the better side in the first half without truly threatening Iker Casillas' goal, but Spain stepped up a gear after the interval and were also clearly the stronger throughout the additional 30 minutes.

In a game of precious few clear-cut chances, Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio kept his side in the contest with excellent saves from Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas either side of the break in extra time.

The Spaniards had started better, and ought to have gone ahead from their first chance in the ninth minute when Manuel Negredo pulled the ball back for Alvaro Arbeloa to fire over the bar from the edge of the box.

Andres Iniesta blazed over from long range a minute later, but Portugal threatened in the 13th minute through Ronaldo, who beat Gerard Pique down the left before crossing towards Nani, with Casillas jumping to make a crucial interception.

Paulo Bento's men had clearly wrested the upper hand, suffocating the Spanish midfield and worrying their opponents through the persistent threat of Ronaldo and Nani up front.

But Spain still almost contrived the grab the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute, when Xavi's clever ball found Iniesta on the edge of the box, who rolled the ball onto his right foot before floating a shot inches over Patricio's goal.

Within two minutes, Portugal had responded with an even better chance, Moutinho's persistence paying off on the edge of the box as he set free Ronaldo to drill a low shot just wide of Casillas' left hand post.

Portugal's control continued early in the second half, with Nani almost picking out the head of Hugo Almeida from a dangerous right wing cross, and it proved enough for Del Bosque, who replaced Negredo with Fabregas up front.

Almeida wasted a good chance in the 58th minute when he fired ambitiously over the Spanish bar instead of picking out Ronaldo or Nani, who were unmarked to his left and right respectively.

Belatedly, Spain started to show signs of stirring, Xabi drilling a shot straight at Patricio from long range, but despite beginning to edge possession, chances continued to be few and far between.

Ronaldo, still terrorising the Spanish defenders at every opportunity, fired a free-kick just over from 30 yards, but a game that had started brightly drifted into a dull spell in which neither side could serve up much of a threat.

Then came a glorious chance for Ronaldo in the last minute of normal time, when a Portuguese counter-attack saw Raul Meireles feed the Real Madrid man who fired over the bar from the left side of the box.

The introduction of Pedro lent some urgency to the Spanish attack in extra-time, and his run set up a chance for Iniesta in the seventh minute of the extra half hour, but his low shot was blocked in the box.

The Portuguese were plainly tiring, and Spain had an even better chance in the 104th minute, when Jordi Alba's cross found Iniesta in front of goal but Patricio managed to tip his shot wide from six yards.

Sergio Ramos slammed a long-range free-kick just over the bar before the end of the first period of extra-time, and Ramos was soon in critical action at the other end when cutting out a Fabio Coentrao ball meant for Ronaldo.

Substitute Jesus Navas was next to get the chance to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute of extra-time, picking up a ball from Arbeloa in the box and hitting a shot which Patricio did well to save down low.

As Spain kept pressing, Pedro briefly burst clear before being caught by Fabio Coentrao, but by then there was a certain inevitability about a match that promised much but offered little heading to penalties.

Alonso had the first spot-kick saved by Patricio but Casillas evened things up by saving the first Portuguese penalty from Moutinho.

Iniesta, Pepe, Pique, Nani and Sergio Ramos all put away their penalties before Alves - who had inadvertently stepped up for the previous penalty which was eventually converted by Nani - hit the bar, leaving Fabregas to put Spain through.

Cristiano Feels No Portugal Pressure

Portugal's influential captain Cristiano Ronaldo has denied feeling the pressure of expectation ahead of his side's semi-final against Spain.

The Real Madrid attacker, 27, has scored three goals in Portugal's last two games to guide his team to a last-four fixture in Ukraine on Wednesday.

With the hopes of the nation focused on him, Ronaldo explained: "These games are part of my life.

"I have to be used to them. Responsibility yes, pressure no."

The former Manchester United player scored twice against Netherlands to ensure Portugal's progression to the knockout stages of the tournament.

He then hit the winner in the 1-0 victory over Czech Republic, setting up a much-anticipated semi-final against neighbours and reigning world and European champions Spain.

"I knew the goals would come," said Ronaldo. "It didn't start very well, but with the sacrifices of my team-mates everything improved."

Spain have won all but one of their matches - a 1-1 draw against Italy in their opening game - scoring eight and conceding just once.

Ronaldo, who plays in Spain's La Liga along with many of the Spanish squad, is wary of the threat posed by the world's number one team.

"It will be a hard clash in which Portugal has to do very well to beat Spain," he commented.

"You have to prepare for the match in the same way that we prepared for the others. We don't have to do anything different."

The last occasion Portugal reached the final of a major tournament was in Lisbon at Euro 2004, when the hosts lost to Greece.

Ronaldo is keen to overwrite that memory with success in Poland and Ukraine.

"It's nice that Portugal have a chance to reach another final after eight years," he said. "It will be difficult but we are only one step away."

Cristiano Makes it Czech Mate

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Czech Republic v France - Preview

The Euro 2012 quarter-finals get under way on Thursday when the Czech Republic take on Portugal at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

Both teams arrive at knockout stage having bounced back from opening defeats in their respective groups to win their other two games.

Portugal were beaten 1-0 by Germany in their first outing but stormed back with victories over Denmark and Holland to finish second in Group B.

The Czechs reached the last eight as Group A winners, rebounding from an opening 4-1 defeat to Russia to beat Greece and co-hosts Poland.

The clash is a repeat of the Euro 1996 quarter-final, when the Czech Republic stunned the Portuguese with a 1-0 win thanks to Karel Poborsky's memorable scoop goal.

Their only other meeting since the split of Czechoslovakia 19 years ago came at the 2008 tournament, when Portugal gained revenge with a 3-1 victory in the group stage.

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek firmly believes his side can beat Portugal provided they repeat their recent performances, despite going into the encounter as underdogs.

"Portugal are favourites, they have strong players," said Bilek.

"But if we repeat the performances against Greece and Poland then we have a good chance of going through."

Bilek believes his team will have to play a defensive game and make the most of their chances.

"I think the key to our recent victories has been on defence," he said. "In our first game we left too many spaces and Russia punished us (4-1).

"We learned a lot from that game and I'm sure we will not make the same mistakes."

The Czechs have been dealt a blow with the news Tomas Rosicky will not feature in the starting line-up after struggling to make a full recovery from an Achilles injury.

The Arsenal midfielder, who flew back to Prague earlier this week to receive treatment, left his decision until after training on Thursday morning because he wanted to see how the injury would react.

Team manager Vladimir Smicer told Czech Television: "Tomas will certainly not play from the first minute. But if we should be in trouble towards the end of the match we might use him."

Rosicky expects his side to be put to the test by a very good Portuguese team.

"Portugal is going to be a more difficult rival than the ones we have faced so far in the competition," he said.

"But this is our chance and we will fight until the end."

Portugal go into the contest on a high after Sunday's 2-1 triumph over Holland which saw them progress from Group B as runners-up behind Germany.

However, coach Paolo Bento was keen to play down expectations on his side.

"We are not getting carried away by the euphoria," he said. "We are satisfied and proud of what we have done so far.

"We had a chance to celebrate that result but that time has passed and we are just focusing on what is ahead.

"The game gives us a chance to play for a semi-final spot.

"I am confident that we will play in the same manner we have done so far, with consistency and humility.

"If we don't win, we will compliment our opponents."

Bento believes it will take a team effort to see his players reach the last four of the competition.

"We always try to defend and to attack with the maximum number of players possible," he said.

"We have to use our strengths and try to hide our weaknesses."

Bento has no injury worries and is expected to field Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo in support of Helder Postiga up front.

Ronaldo scored twice against Holland to increase his tally for Portugal to 34 goals.

Blanc Admits French Row

France coach Laurent Blanc admits angry words were exchanged between his players following the defeat to Sweden in their final Euro 2012 group game, but insists the incident was not serious.

Les Bleus lost 2-0 to the already-eliminated Swedes in Kiev, ending a run of 23 games unbeaten under Blanc.

The French still advanced to the quarter-finals as runners up of Group D behind England, but now face a last-eight meeting with holders and reigning world champions Spain on Saturday.

Striker Olivier Giroud revealed after Tuesday's defeat that "a shouting match" had erupted in the French dressing room.

Blanc did not dispute his version of events, but played down the significance of the incident.

"When there's a victory, you accept things more and you're happier," said the France coach.

"When you've lost, you're more hot-blooded. It got heated, but we all cooled down after a good shower.

"It kicked off a bit because all the players felt that everyone hadn't given everything. To win matches, you have to play them and play them well.

"I don't know if it's because we've got a fairly young squad. When you feel something, you have to say it, and it's not just down to the technical staff.

"They have to say things between each other, because it can be constructive. It shows that there's a reaction, and a bit of electricity. I hope that there will be some against Spain, but in the right sense."

Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny, who is expected to deputise for suspended stopper Philippe Mexes against Spain, was also asked about the flare-up in the French changing room and he said the players had already put it behind them.

"We said things to each other in the changing room, but what's said is said and we'll keep it in the group," he said.

"It was a complicated match, but the most important thing was qualification (for the quarter-finals). We would have preferred to qualify with a win, but these things happen.

"We have to turn the page. I think everyone's moved on now and we have to remain united, as we have been since the start of the training camp."

Czech Republic v Greece - Preview - Group A

Czech Republic's Euro 2012 hopes could come to an end after just two matches if they lose to Greece in Group A on Tuesday.

Michal Bilek's squad got their finals off to a terrible start as they fell to a 4-1 defeat by Russia on Friday, and another reverse at the hands of the 2004 winners will leave them with no hope of advancing to the quarter-finals.

But Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says the Czechs have learned from the mistakes they made in their tournament opener and will be fiercely motivated to put the heavy defeat behind them.

"The lessons we learned were not to make unnecessary mistakes and to play much more aggressively," said Cech.

"They had a lot of space and they have some very good players, so they were able to use that.

Frustration

"We attacked them too late in the game, and they had already created their chances and scored them. We do not want to repeat those same mistakes and we will, of course, play more solidly in defence."

Bilek is set to make changes to his starting line-up, with Michal Kadlec set to revert to centre-half after struggling at left-back against the Russians and David Limbersky likely to start.

Cech admits that there was plenty of frustration in the Czech dressing room on Friday, but says that has given way to a steely focus ahead of this vital fixture.

"I think the anger has changed into determination. Determination to fix the bad start we had in the tournament," he said.

"We felt the disappointment immediately afterwards, for sure. We did not succeed in any way in that first match, but we know we have another 180 minutes to play to allow us to qualify for the quarter-finals. So we're determined to do just that."

Greece coach Fernando Santos, meanwhile, faces a selection headache when it comes to picking his starting XI.

The Greeks drew 1-1 with co-hosts Poland on Friday, but the result came at a cost.

Defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is suspended after his harsh first-half sending-off in Warsaw while Avraam Papadopoulos suffered a torn cruciate ligament.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos is set to come into defence but midfielder Giorgos Fotakis is another absentee with a thigh injury.

Santos says he has paid no attention to the Czechs' opening result and expects a stern test.

"It changes nothing that they lost against Russia. They're compact, and have a lot of pace," he said.

"In the game against Russia, the Czechs had the upper hand in the opening 20-25 minutes. I think they showed their qualities, despite their 4-1 loss."

Trapattoni Stirred but Not Shaken

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni insists he still believes his side can make it out of the Euro 2012 group stage despite their opening defeat.

The Irish were beaten 3-1 by Croatia in Poznan to mark a dismal start to their campaign in Poland and Ukraine, with tough encounters against Spain and Italy still awaiting them in Group C.

Despite his side giving themselves an uphill task in their remaining group matches, Trapattoni, who coached Italy at Euro 2004 where they didn't lose a game but still went out in the group stage, has not given up hope of making the last eight.

He said: "We have to believe. Every game in this Euro could be a surprise. We have to believe this.

"Spain is another game. We have to think very much. I must take all the players in confidence - if I decide to make changes now, it will not be because of playing bad or not deserving to play."

Croatia took an early lead through Mario Mandzukic in Poznan before Sean St Ledger pulled one back, but Trapattoni's men were ultimately undone as Nikica Jelavic netted before the break and Mandzukic forced an own-goal from Shay Given.

Controversy

The Ireland coach does not believe Jelavic's controversial second should have stood, claiming the strike was "clearly offside", and feels it changed the course of the game.

He said: "The second goal was very important. I said to the referee, watching the television it was two metres offside."

Trapattoni concedes Ireland's display paled in comparison to those that saw them safely through the qualifying rounds, with his side keeping 11 clean sheets from 14 games prior to the tournament.

He said: "It was not like our other performances, in many games we have played better, we didn't concede goals, tonight we conceded three goals."

Irish Fans Released for Match

Three Irish men arrested over vandalism in a bar in Poznan have been released ahead of Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 opener against Croatia on Sunday night.

The trio were detained around the same time as 10 Polish and one Croat man were taken into custody after violence broke out in the Stary Rynek part of town.

It is understood the Irish men were with a large group of people from other countries when bottles, glasses and a lamp were smashed in a bar in the old market square.

It was described as pre-match celebrations getting out of hand.

Dozens of riot police were dispatched to the square to restore order at around 3am on Sunday after fighting broke out among a small number of fans.

There was further minor clashes between some Polish and Croat fans and riot police were deployed a second time.

The Mayor of Poznan Ryszard Grobelny attempted to play down the incident.

"This is an isolated incident. This kind of incident is not unusual with a gathering of this size and the fans' behaviour has normally been excellent," he said.

Mr Grobelny insisted that the police action stopped the violence spreading.

"I would not want to see any incidents of this kind happening. But when you have thousands of fans and many litres of beer drunk these incidents are sadly inevitable," he added.

The three Irish men were detained on suspicion of public order offences, vandalism and damage to property.

Croatia v Republic of Ireland - Preview

Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he wants to retain the intensity around his Republic of Ireland team as they prepare for their first Euro 2012 match against Croatia.

Ireland have qualified for their first European Championship in 24 years which has created a wave of excitement amongst the Irish public.

At 73, Trapattoni is vastly experienced, and he is drawing on his memory bank to help focus the minds of his team ahead of their Group C opener.

"I am not particularly excited, I'm a little tense. I want to keep a level of tension," he said.

Tension

"If the manager doesn't keep the tension, the players can lose intensity. The manager needs to keep a positive tension."

Trapattoni's starting line-up will have few surprises. Goalkeeper Shay Given returned to training on Friday, while Glenn Whelan was forced to miss the end of that session with an injury.

His was the only injury concern for Trapattoni who is expected to name the same starting XI against Croatia that played against Hungary last Monday.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, however, does have some injury concerns ahead of the opener.

He has already been forced to call up Sime Vrsaljko to replace the injured Ivo Ilicevic who ruptured a calf muscle. Vedran Corluka is also battling to be fit with a thigh strain.

Bilic said: "I am sorry about Ilicevic. We have lost another important player who is different to most of our team."

Corluka will face a late fitness but Bilic is hopeful he will be available.

He added: "It should be OK; he just felt something in his muscle. Based on the prognosis it shouldn't be anything serious."

Italy v Spain - Preview - Group C

Spain coach Vincente Del Bosque has ordered his side to adopt the right mental approach or risk running their opportunity to make history.

The European champions, and current World Cup holders, will start their title defence against Italy on Sunday as they bid to become the first team to win three successive tournaments.

It would be a memorable feat, but one that the former Real Madrid coach feels can only be attained if they stay hungry.

He said: "We have an aim that no-one has ever achieved before and that is beautiful. We do have a lot of pressure because there is a lot of optimism that surrounds us.

"But we are accustomed to the pressure because we are defending the title and we are world champions.

Attitude

"However, we cannot think that we are out of this world and we are going to win. It would be a huge mistake to have that attitude."

Del Bosque is set to start Alvaro Negredo ahead of Fernando Torres. Raul Albiol will replace Carles Puyol who misses the tournament through injury, while Gerard Pique will partner Sergio Ramos at the heart the defence.

Italy come into this tournament embroiled in yet another match-fixing scandal that has robbed coach Cesare Prandelli of key players.

However, the Italians won the World Cup in 2006 against a backdrop of a similar scandal and will draw confidence from their 3-0 friendly win over Spain last August.

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli is out with a calf injury so Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi will play in a defensive role and he will play alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in Italy's back line.

Mario Balotelli is expected to be named alongside Antonio Cassano and Prandelli has challenged him to deliver.

He said: "I have asked Balotelli to do the talking on the pitch. He has an extraordinary opportunity and cannot throw it away."

Italy conceded just two goals during their qualifying campaign and their coach feels they should have no fear of their opponents.

He added: "Spain are very strong but we have beaten them and no team is invincible. I have a team with character, quality and willingness."

Iniesta is Key for Spain - Del Bosque

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque believes midfielder Andres Iniesta will be a key man as they attempt to retain their European Championship trophy.

The holders come up against Italy in their opening game, before playing Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

"He [Iniesta] is in fine shape and will be decisive in the six matches we hope to play here," said Del Bosque.

"He is enjoying his football, and the doubts we had about his fitness two years ago are absent this year."

The Spaniards won their second European title in 2008 with a 1-0 triumph over Germany in the final, and are hoping to become the first nation to successfully defend it in Poland and Ukraine.

“I am in good shape and full of confidence and I feel like I am in optimum playing condition”Andres IniestaSpain midfielder

Fernando Torres scored the only goal of that game against Germany and, having won the FA Cup and Champions League with Chelsea,will be hoping to make the starting line-up in the absence of star striker David Villa, who was unable to fully recover from a broken leg to play at the tournament.

With defender Carles Puyol also out with a knee injury, it places extra emphasis on the fitness of experienced playmaker Iniesta before Sunday's game against Italy.

"I am in good shape and full of confidence and I feel like I am in optimum playing condition," he said.

"It's true that before both the last European Championship and the World Cup I always had a problem and this time it's not the case. What I focus on is feeling good and in this case I have achieved that."

The midfielder, 28, added that he does not regard himself as a leader, but Barcelona team-mate Victor Valdes disagrees and believes Iniesta is an inspiration to the rest of the side.

"Andres is a player who has never liked the attention that comes with being called a leader, but he is certainly a leader on the field," said goalkeeper Valdes. "His way of playing, his way of being makes him that."