Fernando Torres has warned Spain to forget recent results against Italy and to not think beyond Thursday’s semi-final to a potential final.
La Roja face up to Euro 2012 Final opponents Italy this Thursday in the Confederations Cup semi-final favourites to progress.
Even so, their No 9 has determined that it is no formality that they will win against the Azzurri.
“Regardless of the results that we have had lately, the draw in Euro 2008, the draw in the group stage of Euro 2012, the win the final of Euro 2012…removing that the final was one of the best matches played by this squad, in which everyone performed to their best, against Italy we always expect a tough match with few goals, against a team that knows how to compete and even more so in competition.
“A semi-final in a tournament is always going to be a tough game,” explained Torres to Mundo Deportivo.
“Will Italy lose much with no Balotelli? We will see what happens, Balotelli is a great player.”
The Chelsea man is in contention to replace Roberto Soldado in the starting line-up.
“I always hope to start, always. Whatever game that is, be that with the national team or with my club…
“But if I am not a starter then I am no longer 18-years-old, to be upset, disappointed or angry with the world.
“You accept it as normal and hope to play for a while and if you do not get that chance then it will be different come the next match.”
Spain have been whistled by the Brazilian crowds so far, but Torres is understanding.
“Imagine you play a World Cup in Spain and there is a team that is the best, who has just won two European Championships and the World Cup and you see come to your country to take your Cup, I would guess you would do something similar.
“We want to win the tournament, whoever we will face. We must learn from the Confederations Cup in 2009, and not think about the final before the semi-final.
“At that time we did not give importance to the semi-final and we lost it. We are looking to beat Italy and then we will see who the other finalist is.”
