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Spain's Vicente del Bosque: Italy will be a very tough rival in Euro 2012
The Group C clash between the two giants was one of the highlights of Friday's draw, and the coach cited August's friendly defeat as proof that the Azzurri will pose a challenge
2 Dec 2011 19:20:00
By Daniel Edwards
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he is worried about the strength of Italy in Euro 2012, after the pair were drawn to meet each other in their very first match of the competition.
The two teams join Croatia and Ireland in Group C of the European Championship, in what will be a repeat of the 2008 quarter-final when Spain triumphed on penalties, and went on to lift the title.
Speaking on Friday following the draw, however, Del Bosque recognised that his charges would have to be at their very best to down the Italians, who won 2-1 in August's friendly meeting between the two nations.
"Italy have only just beaten us and they are strong opponents," the coach told Cuatro Television, adding that he was otherwise pleased with the outcome of the draw.
"It will be tough, in the European Championships there are 16 tough teams and every one poses their own threat. But the outcome that I wanted has come to fruition [avoiding Germany and playing in Poland].
"We have to play a more renowned team like Italy, and two teams that made it through the play-offs.
"We will prepare carefully, we have to focus on our own game and get ready."
Spain and Italy will meet in the opening game of Group C on June 10, in the Polish city of Gdansk.
| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.63 | Draw £80.00 | China £260.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £230.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.30 | Draw £110.00 | China £260.00 |
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The two teams join Croatia and Ireland in Group C of the European Championship, in what will be a repeat of the 2008 quarter-final when Spain triumphed on penalties, and went on to lift the title.
Speaking on Friday following the draw, however, Del Bosque recognised that his charges would have to be at their very best to down the Italians, who won 2-1 in August's friendly meeting between the two nations.
"Italy have only just beaten us and they are strong opponents," the coach told Cuatro Television, adding that he was otherwise pleased with the outcome of the draw.
"It will be tough, in the European Championships there are 16 tough teams and every one poses their own threat. But the outcome that I wanted has come to fruition [avoiding Germany and playing in Poland].
"We have to play a more renowned team like Italy, and two teams that made it through the play-offs.
"We will prepare carefully, we have to focus on our own game and get ready."
Spain and Italy will meet in the opening game of Group C on June 10, in the Polish city of Gdansk.
Visit our Euro 2012 microsite for all you need to know ahead of Friday's draw and beyond - team profiles, stadium guides, even which hotels are best to stay in!
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Spain - China
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Spain 8-0 China
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21:50 BST -
And here are some quotes from today's goalscorer, Danny Welbeck: "It's still the same, me and Ashley [Young] playing together.
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
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