Gerard Pique has warned his Spain teammates that they must be focused to beat Italy in their Group C opener at Euro 2012.
Italy have not enjoyed the best of preparations ahead of their trip to Poland and Ukraine, with the unfolding match-fixing scandal rocking their domestic scene.
However, the Azzurri were plagued by a similar situation before winning the 2006 World Cup in Germany and Pique believes that Cesare Prandelli's men are at their best when they are wounded.
The Barcelona star also pinpointed the threat posed by their enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli, who looks set to shake off a leg injury to start in Gdansk.
"We will have to keep a very close eye on him," warned Pique. "Balotelli is a player that can win you a game. He can take the ball and score when you least expect it.
"Italy are more dangerous when they appear not to be. We will have to be focused. They are going to be a very difficult rival, that will qualify and will be fighting for the tournament.
"It seems as Italy is hurt, not focused, but that is not the case. Just when you think they will not do a good job, they do the best job."
Pique has won 38 caps for his country.
Michael Penkman
