De Rossi: I am 99.9 percent certain I will be in defense against Spain

The Azzurri have injury concerns ahead of their clash with the world champions at Euro 2012, and the Roma midfielder has confirmed that he will feature as a makeshift center back

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has confirmed that he is "99.9 percent" sure of playing in the center of defense against Spain.

The Azzurri have injury concerns at the back with Andrea Barzagli not fit to play, and Cesare Prandelli is expected to change his tactics to a 3-5-2 formation to face the world champions.

The Roma battler has confessed that he will most likely have to play out of position, but will go into the game full of confidence.

"I'll play where the coach asks me to, as I always do, and I am 99.9% sure I will be a central defender [against Spain]," he told reporters in the build-up to Sunday's game.

"Although it is not my usual position, I will look to be the glue between defence and midfield.

"I will enter the field with the mindset that I am the best defender in the world," he continued.

De Rossi is full of respect for the titleholders, but has admitted that the Italians are going into the game looking to get three points.

"Looking at the Spain squad it is difficult to find a player that is not very good; they are so strong and exciting to watch.

"They have a midfield that has never been seen before; Xavi is an exceptional player.

"However, we always play to win, even if we are playing against Spain," he concluded.

Republic of Ireland and Croatia make up the rest of Group C, and will face off in the day's other game.