Barzagli: We need a team effort & complete focus to stop Rooney

The defender made clear that collective work and concentration are key to containing the England striker, who found the net on his Euro 2012 debut against Ukraine

Italy centre-back Andrea Barzagli has underlined the importance of team-work and focus as his side aim to neutralise the threat of Wayne Rooney in the Euro 2012 quarter-final against England.

The Manchester United striker appeared in his first game of the tournament against Ukraine, and netted the winner as the Three Lions secured top spot in Group D with a 1-0 victory.

Barzagli praised the qualities of Rooney, but insisted that his team will be capable of containing the 26-year-old international on Sunday.

"As a team we can stop him, we are four at the back, so an effort from the entire team is needed," the Juventus defender told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"We know just how good Rooney is and how England are as a side. We need to be 100 per cent focused to counteract this player.

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"No side at this tournament has been able to keep a clean sheet. I don't think we've suffered any more than any other side here - we have only conceded twice. There's a lot of quality attacking here."

Finally, Barzagli took time to comment on the atmosphere ahead the quarter-final clash against Roy Hodgson's England.

"It is the eve of a very important game. You're a bit tense, focused, but happy to be there," he added.

"There are no games better or worse at these tournaments; you just want to be there."

England and Italy kick off at 20:45CET on Sunday.