Spain

By Simon Baskett

VIENNA, June 21 (Reuters) - Italy do not need to play well to win games but Spain will need to produce a near-perfect performance if they are to oust the world champions from Euro 2008, according to centre-back Carles Puyol.

"We are concerned about every aspect of the Italians," Puyol told a news conference at the Ernst Happel stadium on Saturday ahead of Sunday's quarter-final between the countries there on Sunday.

"They are the world champions and they are a very complete team. They are very dangerous in these competitions because they have a winning mentality.

"These sorts of games are decided by details and we will have to be fully concentrated for the whole 90 minutes. Italy are a strong team and don't have to play well to win. We will have to be at our very best if we are to defeat them."

Puyol said Spain would need to pay particular attention to Italy striker Luca Toni even though he has yet to open his account at the tournament.

"He is a very important player and is their reference point in attack. He hasn't scored yet but he is always dangerous and we will have to be on guard all the time if we are to stop him."

Midfielder Xabi Alonso was confident Spain could overturn the world champions and put an end to their reputation for choking on the big occasion.

"I believe it is the right time for us to face a team like Italy," he said. "We are confident in ourselves, we are in a winning mood and that is important. Hopefully we will repeat the victory we had against them in the friendly (in March)." (Editing by Jon Bramley)