Del Bosque wary of Italian opener

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he is worried about the strength of Italy in Euro 2012, after drawing them on Friday.

The teams join Croatia and the Republic of Ireland in Group C of the European Championships, but the defending champions will take on the Italians in their opening clash in Poland, in what is a rematch of their quarter-final at Euro 2008 which Spain won on penalties.

Speaking on Friday following the draw, however, Del Bosque recognized that his charges would have to be at their very best to down Italy, who beat his outfit 2-1 in August’s friendly 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 playoffs. 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.