Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes that Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2012.
The two teams have been drawn to face each other in Group C and will go head to head in Gdansk on June 14.
Trapattoni said that Vicente Del Bosque's men possess quality in every area of the field, owing to the strength of the Real Madrid and Barcelona teams.
"Spain are world champions and we know the two most famous teams in Europe are Real Madrid and Barcelona and that the players in the national team mainly come from those two teams," said Trapattoni.
"They are the favourites. In each department - in defence, in midfield and in attack - they have amazing players."
Trapattoni will also lead his team out against his Italy, but does not believe that his countrymen will let their recent worries affect their performance in Eastern Europe.
The 2006 World champions' preparations have been marred by another Serie A match-fixing scandal, as well as losing three friendly matches in a row.
"We know Italy and, despite what we have heard in the past few days and despite the result [against Russia], Italy is a nation and a team that has always achieved good results," Trapattoni added. "They are very creative and they have players who are used to playing at a very high level, and this means they have a very strong background, so the match, I wouldn't base anything on that."
Spain will be defending the title that they won in Austria and Switzerland four years ago.
Michael Penkman
