Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has talked up international friendly opponents Spain ahead of their clash on Wednesday in Bari.
The match will see 2006 World Cup winners host the current world champions, and Prandelli is wary of the depth of superstar talent that Vicente del Bosque s side possess.
Obviously there s always the risk of taking a battering against the world champions, but that s part of the game, the Italian boss said.
We are convinced we can play a good game. They ll almost certainly be better than us in some technical aspects, but when get the ball we will need to be brave and show our character.
Prandelli has flagged his intentions to start AC Milan s Antonio Cassano and Villarreal s Giuseppe Rossi up front, with Cassano a former Real Madrid striker known to his Spanish opponents.
Cassano is an excellent player, a great player, the Spanish declared he is a phenomenon because in some movements and situations of play he is really extraordinary, Prandelli said.
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has injury concerns after the withdrawal of midfielder Xavi.
The Barcelona star has failed to recover from a calf problem, while defender Sergio Ramos will also be missing.
Wednesday s match is a repeat of the European Championships quarter-final in 2008 when Spain won on penalties on their way to lifting the title.
Should Italy take the points at the Stadio Comunale San Nicola, it would be their first win over the Spaniards since 1994.