Italy do not need to play well to win key games but Spain will need to produce a near-perfect performance if they are to oust the world champions from the tournament, according to centre-back Carles Puyol.

"We are concerned about every aspect of the Italians," Puyol told a press conference yesterday, ahead of the quarter-final between the countries.

"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 match. 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."

Spain coach Luis Aragones, however, was confident Spain would overturn the world champions and put an end to their reputation for choking on the big occasion.

"I'm convinced we will do it because I believe I have a group of players that deserve to end this record and because we have developed a winning momentum.

"The team are going to give 110 per cent out there and I know that if they have to go out there and die on the pitch they will - speaking in sporting terms that is."

Midfielder Xabi Alonso echoed Aragones's sentiments.

"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."