Italy united will oust Spain: Ambrosini

Italy are a united group who can end Spain's impressive run at Euro 2008 in the quarter-finals on Sunday, midfielder Massimo Ambrosini said Thursday.

“Italy's strength is we are truly a united group who never get carried away or discouraged,” said the AC Milan star, who says the Azzuri will overcome the suspensions of midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso and the loss announced hours earlier of defencer Andrea Barzagli, ruled out with a knee injury.

Ambrosini has a special reason for wanting to turn over the Spanish who have not win a senior tournament match against the Italians in eight decades.

“With AC Milan I have always done well against Spanish clubs. But against the national side I still remember the disapointment of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

“We lost 1-0 in the quarters to a goal scored in the 85th minute. It was an undeserved defeat and once I want to avenge,” said Ambrosini.