Former Italy striker Enrico Chiesa has insisted that his country can qualify for the latter stages of Euro 2012.

The Italians secured a 1-1 draw with holders Spain in their Group C opener, and Chiesa is "optimistic" about their chances of qualifying.

"Spain are undoubtedly the favorites, because they are the strongest side. Yesterday, however, they were at great risk. If they had had to suffer for another 10 minutes, I don't know whether they would have been able to draw level," he told Goal.com.

"The risk level playing against Croatia is very high, this is the toughest game of the group for us. Italy absolutely have to win because a draw would not be enough.

"There could be two or three changes given the enormous effort against Spain, but it all depends on how Italy recover in these next few days. However, given how well the team played against Spain, I am very optimistic."

Chiesa appeared 22 times for his country.