Iniesta labels pitch a ´disaster´

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has branded the Gdansk pitch a ‘disaster’ following his side’s 1-1 draw with Italy at Euro 2012.

The pre-tournament favourites fell behind to Cesare Prandelli’s men on the slow playing surface but rescued a point thanks to a Cesc Fabregas equaliser.

And, after the match, Iniesta hit out at the quality of the pitch, claiming it stifled Vicente del Bosque team’s passing football.

He told reporters: “Seeing the pitch in those conditions is a disaster. It was incredibly dry and that makes circulation of the ball difficult.”

Iniesta’s Barcelona team-mate Fabregas was also quick to comment on the conditions after his side’s Group C opener.

“I can’t complain, but we deserved much more.” Fabregas said. “It’s shameful that we still have to play on pitches like that.”

Midfielder Xavi added: “The fact that they didn’t water the pitch persecuted our dynamic and fluid play.”