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Euro 2012 Final: We will play three strikers: Del Bosque

Kiev, Jul 1: Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque did not reveal any suggestions of who he will start as main strikers for the Euro 2012 final against Italy, stating he would start with three strikers upfront.

<strong>Spain vs Italy Preview</strong>Spain vs Italy Preview

<strong>Stats and Facts: Spain vs Italy</strong>Stats and Facts: Spain vs Italy

The former Real Madrid coach has so far chosen Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres and Alvaro Negredo during the European championships. The Sevilla striker Negredo, who had started the game against Portugal in the semi-finals, failed to shine. However, Del Bosque has not given any indication about the starting line-up for Sunday's final.

"We will play with three strikers, but all the team have to help them. These three players will have the obligation to attack and to try to score a goal. We have more obligation to attack than to defend," Del Bosque was quoted as saying in ESPNsoccernet.

Del Bosque opted for Fabregas as a 'False Nine' during the 1-1 draw against Italy in their Group opener. Italy had been criticised for being defensive minded, but the Spanish coach believes Italy have improved in recent years and deserve a place in the final.

"This next game is the most important one, we will play for something we have been working on for two years. We would all like to secure a victory. Italy have been on the rise and they deserve to be in the final," he said.

"We cannot say that Italy played defensive football against us in the group game because they did not. They have made progress in recent years," he added.

Spain are aiming to re-write history on Sunday to become the only team to win three successive major finals tournaments. While coach Del Bosque will become the first person to have won the World Cup, European Championship and the Champions League.

Del bosque further added that their opponents have a similar style of play. While he urged his players not to look at past glories but focus all their attention on the next crucial game.

"I think we cannot look at the past. Italy have won the World Cup four times, and we are talking about the present, which is the only reference. We were in the same group, we have both won matches on penalties and our playing style has been similar. That is why I do not think there will be a big difference.

Both teams had retained the same line-up throughout the tournament, but the Spanish players looked as if fatigue had creeped in during the semi-final clash against Portugal. However, Del Bosque insisted that his side have not lost the desire to win and earn success.

"If our players have lost the desire to win? We haven't noticed symptoms of that happening. Success can weaken the future, but we have a group of players that know what this sport is and we have not lost our competitive spirit," he said.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2017, 17:27 [IST]
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