Champions Spain undergo light first training run

Defending champions Spain went through the paces of their first training run in Gniewino, Poland, on Wednesday ahead of their opening match of Euro 2012 against Italy on Sunday.

The squad were watched by around 300 Polish spectators and around 40 Spanish supporters, a long way from the surprising 13,000 who turned out to watch fellow Group C rivals Ireland train in their base of Gdynia on Tuesday.

The outfield players - who included their two minor injury worries fullback Alvaro Arbeloa and striker Jesus Navas - trained to a rousing chorus of “Guantanamera” from Spanish fans.

Among the spectators was student Gonzalo Panadero, who had travelled the 70 kilometres from the Baltic port city of Gdansk where he is studying psychology for a year.

“Defending the title will be difficult. But we will go far,” he said.

Sixteen-year-old Jakub Majer added: “I am a fan of the Spanish national side. I regularly watch the Liga matches of Real Madrid and Barcelona. My favourite player? Fernando Torres.”

Torres, who claims he is running into phenomenal form after a difficult season personally at Chelsea, was teamed up with Fernando Llorente in a 10-a-side practice game while their opposing forwards were Alvaro Negredo, David Silva and Andres Iniesta.

The Spaniards are bidding to win a third successive major title after Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.