Dino Zoff has dismissed Italy's underdog label by claiming that the Azzurri are the favourites to be crowned Euro 2012 champions.
The former Italy goalkeeper, captain and coach is the only player to have won both the European Championship and the World Cup for with Italy.
Current number one Gianluigi Buffon could become the second man to complete the feat this evening and Zoff believes it will happen.
"I hope so and I think he will," Zoff told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Buffon and Iker Casillas are both at the top of their game and clearly they could be decisive, though it's difficult to say how much. It all depends on the type of game that emerges.
"I think Italy are the favourites. We are coming off two great performances against England and Germany, whereas Spain got past France and Portugal by not playing their best.
"I doubt Spain are sated by success, but they have gone through more difficulties than us in the knockouts."
The sides played out a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the tournament and Italy are the only team to have scored against Spain.
