Casillas dismisses favourites tag

Iker Casillas has revealed he and his Spain team-mates do not see themselves as favourites ahead of their Euro 2012 final against Italy.

The Real Madrid and Spain captain, 31, lavished praise on their opponents as they warm up to face a team they have yet to beat in normal play in competitive internationals.

“We do not think we’re the favourites, quite the contrary. Both teams have an equal chance,” Casillas said.

“Italy have a great team. For us it was no surprise that they joined us here in the final, they showed their quality and reached the final with a great performance (against Germany). ”

Spain met Italy in the quarter-final phase of Euro 2008, winning in a penalty shoot-out on their way to their second European Championship title.

The two teams also met in the group stage of Euro 2012 with the game finishing 1-1.