Spain will look to top Italy again in when the two sides meet in the Confederations Cup semifinals Thursday.
The Spaniards outclassed Italy in the Euro 2102 final, and while Italy will look for some revenge, they will know Spain will be the overwhelming favorites to go through to the final, where hosts Brazil lie in wait after their 2-1 win over Uruguay in the first semifinal.
"I don't feel any resentment towards Spain, so revenge is not one of my aims," Italy manager Cesare Prandelli said.
"What's closest to our hearts is showing that the gap between us is not as wide as was shown in the final of Euro 2012. Certainly, Spain are a reference for all teams."
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes it is extremely important for Spain to get to the final and then take a shot at winning the only trophy missing from their bulging cabinet.
"It's extremely important, because if Spain don't reach the final, the critics will say we're not the team we were before," he told FIFA's official website. "If we win, it'll be business as usual.
"We've created this pressure for ourselves over the past few years, but we know we have to keep enjoying it. This team never gets tired of playing football, and always wants to win. I think we're the major power at the moment, but there may well come a time when it's difficult for us to keep repeating the success."
Spain failed to win the Confederations Cup in South Africa four years ago, where they went in as Euro 2008 champions, but having won a World Cup and another Euro title, Casillas believes this Spain side is completely different from the one that disappointed in 2009.
"This team is nothing like the one from four years ago," Casillas added. "Yes, we had just won the Euro, but our success had come as a surprise to many people. Back then I don't think even we understood the role we had played in it all.
"Obviously, once you've won a World Cup, your mentality and responsibilities change. I'm not saying we now feel superior every time we play. But we do believe that, with our way of playing, we can achieve great things. We absolutely want to win it, as doing so would mean this generation has won every title possible."
Spain do not have too many injury worries, although, Roberto Soldado and Cesc Fabregas are doubts, unlike Italy who have Mario Balotelli and Ignacio Abate ruled out of the tournament. Alberto Gilardino is set to replace Balotelli in the striking role.
To watch Spain vs Italy Live Stream for U.S. viewers, click here.
Viewers in the U.K. can click here.
Expected lineups: Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Torres, Silva.
Italy: Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Maggio, Pirlo, De Rossi, Giaccherini; Candreva, Marchisio; Gilardino.
Prediction: 2-0 to Spain
