Del Piero Preparing For Spanish Battle

It is the most high profile quarterfinal of the tournament and the first competitive meeting between the sides since the 1994 World Cup, when Italy emerged 2-1 victors in the USA.

Del Piero, though unlikely to start, is looking forward to the challenge. “It is going to be a difficult game that will be a real battle from start to finish.

“There are two important teams going head to head for the best possible result, so there will be a lot to fight for.

“They are similar sides in terms of their style of play. The major differences are in their mentality. Keeping possession can be a psychological aspect of the sport more than a technical one.

“Both teams are very strong. There is so much talk of the Spanish attack, but the Italian one is very good too,” insisted Del Piero.

Of Luca Toni, Italy's star striker recently short on goals, Del Piero said: “Do I have advice for Toni? He doesn’t need advice from me, he knows what to do."


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