Spain are not happy about facing Italy in their Euro 2012 opener, especially with the current scandal. “It’ll make them even more dangerous,” said Xavi.
The Azzurri are in turmoil after a 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia and the betting scandal that enveloped the sport this week.
Spain are not happy about facing Italy in their Euro 2012 opener, especially with the current scandal. “It’ll make them even more dangerous,” said Xavi.
The Azzurri are in turmoil after a 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia and the betting scandal that enveloped the sport this week.
“It would’ve been better not to start with Italy,” midfielder Xavi told El Pais newspaper of the June 10 match.
“The Italians are very competitive, can pass the ball around well and put anyone under pressure. They also have Andrea Pirlo, who has given the Azzurri his touch of class.
“I don’t know what mood they will go into Euro 2012 with. There is a lot of confusion surrounding them, but I fear that will make them even more dangerous, as every time stuff like this happens they win the title…”
Xavi was referring to the 1982 and 2006 World Cups, preceded by a betting scandal and Calciopoli respectively.