Fernando Torres: We are not afraid of world champions Italy

Jun 21 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

FERNANDO TORRES is happy to play up to the Spanish reputation as serial underachievers – so much so he is tipping Italy as favourites to win tomorrow’s quarter-final.

The Liverpool forward is set to rekindle his deadly strike partnership with David Villa in Vienna as they look to eliminate the world champions and secure their first semi-final place since 1984.

Italy were unconvincing in their group, losing to Holland 3-0 before a 1-1 draw with Romania left them having to beat France to go through to the last eight.

But although Spain qualified as group winners with three wins out of three, Torres said: “Spain is playing great and stylish football, – but Italy has kept faith with its style for years. Even if they are not that showy they are the favourites.

“Italy are the current world champions and that’s not an accident. Titles do not just get won for no reason. You can maybe win once through a bit of luck but not as often as Italy have so you have to respect this team.

“Their history makes them favourites. They did not have a great opening phase but the same thing happened at the World Cup (in 2006) and they ended up winning it.”

Villa, who has scored four times in his two tournament appearances so far, scored to give Spain a 1-0 friendly victory over Italy in March.

And that result does give Torres some conviction that he and his team-mates should have no fear heading into their latest meeting.

“We are not afraid of them or their record,” added the 24-year-old. “We beat them in a friendly but now we have the chance to show what we are made of in an official competition.

“We are convinced we can beat them. This coming match is very important for us and for the nation.

“It’s important for the history of the Spanish squad and we are well aware of our capabilities. We can beat anyone.”

Midfielder Ruben de la Red agrees, even though Spain boast a dismal record in competitive matches against Italy over the years.

Although the overall head-to-head record between the two European superpowers is tilted slightly in Spain’s favour, you have to go back almost 90 years for the last time the Iberian nation beat Italy in a competitive match.

That came in the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, and although Spain have enjoyed plenty of friendly success over the Italians since then – including that 1-0 win in Elche back in March – they have never managed to do it when the stakes are high.

“If you look at history, I am sure that Italy are the favourites because since 1920 they have always beaten us in official games, but we are doing well now and the squad is convinced that we can continue winning and reach the final,” said De la Red, who scored his first goal for Spain during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Greece.

“We are in very good form, with a potent attack, a skilful midfield and a strong defence.”

If he returns to the Bernabeu, De la Red will link up with Fabio Cannavaro, Italy’s World Cup-winning captain.

Cannavaro has been forced to sit out Euro 2008 due to an ankle injury, but the experienced centre-back is still in a good position to analyse this weekend’s match between his countrymen and many of his Madrid club-mates.

And he believes it is Spain who hold the edge going into the game.

“I think that Spain are favourites, they are the team who are playing best,” said Cannavaro.

“They have players of much quality and with a lot of desire. It is going to be very difficult.”