Guardiola backs del Bosque

Pep Guardiola says Spain can win Euro 2012 even if they do not field a striker against Italy on Sunday.

The former Barcelona coach, who won 14 titles in four years at the helm of the La Liga giants, said he was confident of a Spain victory under Vicente del Bosque.

Guardiola said he was looking forward to seeing Spain make history with a win over Italy on Sunday.

“I think Spain will win and make history,” Guardiola said from Indonesia where he is on holiday.

“Reaching three major finals in four years is an achievement that will not be matched.”

Weighing in on discussions that Spain need to field a striker if they are to find the back of the net against Italy in regular time, Guardiola said there was no need to force a natural number nine into Del Bosque’s starting line-up.

”Playing with or without a centre forward will be the same for Spain,” Guardiola said.

“The team is in good hands and Vicente del Bosque is the best coach possible for the Spanish team. Other players can score goals from deep.”

Del Bosque has alternatively lined up with Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Alvaro Negredo up front during this Euro campaign to make up for David Villa’s absence through injury, which Guardiola sees as detrimental to Spain’s setup.

“For Spain, David is a huge absence. With him, La Roja would be an even more complete team,” he said.