Spain playmaker Cesc Fabregas is aware of Italy's attacking threat and admitted his side will have to keep a particular eye on Italy's best player Andrea Pirlo if the defending champions are to beat Italy in the Euro 2012 final.
Pirlo has been unstoppable in the European Championships so far, putting the likes of England and Germany to the sword with his reading of the game and pin-point passing.
Fabregas admitted Pirlo will be the danger man, while praising the rest of Italy's attackers. "In midfield they have special players like (Claudio) Marchisio and Pirlo, who's had a great tournament. It will be a tough game," the Barcelona midfielder told reporters in a press conference.
"They have a lot of variety up front. They have strong players like Balotelli, tricky players like Cassano.
"Balotelli is a great player and he showed it yesterday. He scored two great goals against Germany in the semi-finals.
"That says it all. I really liked the way he played. He will be a threat, like Antonio Cassano or any other player.
"We will have to stop Italy's attackers and Pirlo as well."
The former Arsenal captain also mentioned his admiration for Italy's defense. "Italy's defenders are very experienced, and they know when to attack and when to defend.
"On top of that they have a goalkeeper (Gianluigi Buffon), who is a natural leader, but Spain have a great goalkeeper as well in Iker Casillas."
Spain are looking to be the first team to win three-major titles in a row after their success in Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Fabregas said the two sides that have entered the final, have been the two best teams of the tournament.
"The winners will be deserving champions," said Fabregas. "I think we've been the two most consistent teams at the tournament.
"What matters is to be ready to play another final with the team on Sunday. We want to make more than history, because we have already made history."
Defender Sergio Ramos was also aware of the history that Spain are on the cusp of creating. "We are aware of what we are playing for on Sunday," the Real Madrid player said.
"It is something that as of today no team has ever achieved. It requires many years of work and sacrifice. No matter what happens we have already made history.
"This hasn't finished though and the icing on the cake would be to return and win the Euros."
Spain and Italy have come through on penalties in the semi-final and quarterfinal respectively. However, Ramos said he was not looking forward to another shootout. "Honestly, I would not like to go into a penalty shoot-out again," he said.
"But we are very eager to win and for that we will need to stay humble and try to do things well, while respecting Italy.
"These days, memories of our recent past come to our mind. This motivates us to win this final and relive those incredible moments with the Spanish people."
