Vicente del Bosque is preparing Spain for a stern test at Euro 2012 after they were drawn to face Italy, Republic of Ireland and Croatia.
Spain boss ready for challenge of Italy, Ireland and Croatia
Vicente del Bosque is preparing Spain for a stern test at Euro 2012 after they were drawn to face Italy, Republic of Ireland and Croatia at next summer's finals.
Spain will head to Poland and Ukraine as the favourites to defend the trophy they won in Austria and Switzerland, and Del Bosque does not fear any opponent.
However, he has respect for everyone and does not think passage to the quarter-finals will be straightforward following Friday's draw in Kiev.
The Spanish campaign will start against Italy in Gdansk and Del Bosque is well aware of their strengths after his side lost 2-1 to the Azzurri in a friendly in Bari in August.
"It is not easy. Italy are a well-organised team, they demonstrated in Bari that they are a good side," Del Bosque told Marca.
"Croatia and Ireland qualified with much authority in the play-offs. We must be respectful. Croatia has players playing in top clubs in Europe.
"I'm not saying we should be upset, but we have to prepare our best and reach for June in the best conditions."
Euro 2012 finals draw:
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
Group B
Holland
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Group C
Spain
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Croatia
Group D
Ukraine
Sweden
France
England
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