Antonio Cassano has said that he wants to beat Spain to prove his doubters wrong.

The Bari born player spent the 2006-2007 season at Real Madrid under Fabio Capello and has revealed that he received some harsh criticisms whilst there.

"It would be wonderful to beat Spain," Cassano told ESPN.

"My experience at Real Madrid did not exactly go well. They used to call me fat and I didn't appreciate that. I am ready to put things straight."

Many people expect Spain to win a record third consecutive title but Cassano likes being the underdog.

"The Spanish think we are content just to be in the final. Maybe they think we have already reached our objective. They couldn't be more wrong.

"The Spaniards, like the Germans, are never relaxed against us. We have always made them sweat. We certainly won't let ourselves get intimidated."

Cassano missed out on Italy's 2006 World Cup win and is looking for his first winners' medal with the Azzurri.