Reina tips Torres to shine

Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina is tipping Fernando Torres to light up Euro 2012, revealing that the forward is looking sharp in training.

Torres took a long time to settle at Chelsea following his 50-million-pound switch from Liverpool in January of last year but the much-maligned forward showed signs of a return to form towards the tail end of the season.

Reina now believes that his former Reds team-mate, who scored the only goal in the Euro 2008 final win over Germany, could now prove the ace in Spain’s pack in Poland and Ukraine.

“It might be his tournament,” the 31-year-old shot-stopper told AS. “He is playing at a very high level and in training he is very switched on.”

Spain begin the defence of their European title against Italy, a side whose preparations have been overshadowed by the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

However, Reina remains very wary of the threat posed by the Azzurri, and their veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo in particular.

“I have always had great respect for Italy,” the Liverpool man said.

“They have a top-quality midfield and Andrea Pirlo is a player who is essential to Italy. Their whole game goes through him.”

Spain’s Group C clash with Cesare Prandelli’s side in Gdansk is on Sunday.