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Xavi ready for Italy test

Xavi ready for Italy test


Xavi ready for Italy test

Barcelona midfielder Xavi is looking ahead to Spain's crucial Euro 2008 challenge against Italy. Xavi is wary of the fact that Italy by Spain have not been beaten for a very long time, but the midfielder is confident they can get the result they need.

Xavi said: "We know that they're very difficult opponents, who have won everything in the past, and on paper they are the favourites because they're the world champions. We beat them a few months ago in a friendly in Spain, but that's totally different to a competitive match.

"We see this as a challenge more than anything. We know that we have a good team and we have a good footballing philosophy, and allied to this we're going to battle and compete for every ball on Sunday."