Spain vs. Italy: Spanish Will Pass Early Test on Way to Another Euro Title

Italy is one of the better squads competing in the 2012 European Championships, but the Azzurri will be no match for Spain as they try to win their third consecutive major international tournament.

Spain had gone a long time without winning a championship, but since 2007, it seems like they cannot lose. The national team took home the 2010 World Cup as well as the title from Euro 2008.

In that time, the Spanish have won 37 of their 40 matches between World Cup and Euro competition, and played two of the other three to a draw. Since the beginning of the last World Cup, the team has won 14 straight games.

In the first contest of Euro 2012, they will face a very tough Italian squad, which has performed well in international competition, including a World Cup title in 2006, but has not fared well at this event in recent years.

Having Gianluigi Buffon in net will be enough to keep many teams at bay, but Spain has too much talent on offense to be kept off the scoreboard.

In reality, the only thing that can stop Spain is complacency. 

Sure, they have injuries and fatigue from a competitive club season that will slow them down, but its their attitude that will make or break the latest run.

After their recent domination, there is a question whether they will still fight as hard for a third win. The lack of pressure might help the players relax, but it also could remove the drive that is needed to win.

Italy will definitely not be rolling over for the returning champs. With Croatia looming in the next match, the squad knows that it will be tough to make it to the next stage. Spain needs to be ready to go from the start.

However, a mentally prepared Spanish group has enough talent to beat anyone in the field. Germany and the Netherlands present tough challenges on the other side of the bracket, but this team knows how to win.

Hopefully, that experience is enough to take them all the way through the finals.