Gerard Pique: 'We must stop Mario Balotelli'

Spain defender Gerard Pique believes that his side must stop Mario Balotelli if they are to beat Italy in their Euro 2012 Group C opener.

The reigning European champions and World Cup winners begin their campaign against the Azzurri in Gdansk tomorrow.

Pique has identified the Manchester City forward as one of the Italy players that could cause his side major problems this weekend and fully expects a busy afternoon. The Barcelona defender has also claimed that Italy are one of the best sides in the world, highlighting how focused his side will need to be.

"We will have to keep a very close eye on him," Pique said.

"Balotelli is a player that can win you a game. He is a player that can take the ball and score when you least expect it.

"They are one of the top teams in Europe and in the world and we will have to be focused."

Spain knocked Italy out of the Euro 2008 tournament in a quarter-final penalty shootout.