Italy to use insider knowledge against Spain

MOEDLING, Austria (Reuters) - World champions Italy are hoping their inside knowledge of Spain will give them an advantage in their Euro 2008 quarter-final in Vienna on Sunday.

Several in the squad have experience of playing in the Spanish league and are friends with many in Luis Aragones's side.

Fullback Gianluca Zambrotta had two seasons at Barcelona before recently signing for AC Milan while reserve goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis is on Sevilla's books.

Defender Christian Panucci and forward Antonio Cassano spent time at Real Madrid, where injured centre back Fabio Cannavaro still plays in front of Spain keeper Iker Casillas.

Cannavaro, ruled out of the tournament with ankle ligament damage, has stayed with the Italy squad to offer support and advice.

"I know all the Spanish squad quite well. I've sent a text to Casillas but he hasn't replied. I can't think why," he told reporters, smirking.

"They are strong, maybe they have more quality but we are more of a team. One-on-one they can hurt you."

Although Spain overcame four-times world champions Italy 1-0 in a friendly in March, they have never beaten the Azzurri at a major tournament outside the Olympic Games.

Italy midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, almost certain to start on Sunday with Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo suspended, has not played in Spain but said he had seen enough to know what they are all about.

"I think that at this level you already know them reasonably well even if you don't play in the country," he said. "They are a team that has great ball possession. In their way of playing, they are similar to Netherlands. Up front they are scary."

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who gave the players a day off on Wednesday, worked them hard in Thursday's training session both in the gym and on the pitch.

Forward Alessandro Del Piero, who only started the 1-1 draw with Romania in the group stage, particularly shone in shooting practice.

(Editing by Trevor Huggins)