Ireland preparing for Torres

Giovanni Trapattoni has suggested Fernando Torres could be in line to start for Spain when they meet the Republic of Ireland.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque pulled a surprise when he selected a team without a traditional striker to face Italy in their Euro 2012 opener on Sunday.

He instead used Cesc Fabregas in the ‘false nine’ role and left recognised forwards Torres, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo on the bench.

It was a gamble that failed to pay off for Spain after they drew 1-1 with Italy, and Trapattoni believes the Chelsea striker will lead the line for the reigning European champions in their next match.

“Maybe Torres will play against us,” Trapattoni said in a press conference.

“It is something that is possible, but not something I want to get into. He who must decide in the end is Vicente del Bosque.”

Trapattoni, 73, also spoke about the complaints made by certain members of the Spanish team over the pitch during their previous fixture when they declared it was too dry and hindered their natural style of football.

“The state of the pitch does have an influence and Spain could not play good football. Will that have a good or bad impact on us? … I do not know, ultimately, the only tactic that matters is winning,” he said.

Despite Ireland suffering a 3-1 defeat to Croatia in their opening game, Trapattoni remained confident and reminded everyone of the recent success of supposed underdogs.

“Spain are the world champions and they have half Barcelona and half Real Madrid. Only (Lionel) Messi is missing,” he said.

“They have quality, but Chelsea beat Bayern (Munich) to win the Champions League final after conceding 17 corners and having only one shot on target … Didier Drogba’s goal.”