Fabregas surprised by Italy start

Cesc Fabregas has told of his surprise at starting up front for Spain against Italy on Sunday in their opening Euro 2012 encounter.

The Barcelona midfielder scored a second-half equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw for Vicente del Bosque’s side in the Group C opener.

But the 25-year-old admitted he was as shocked as anyone to start the game and lead the attack.

“I didn’t expect it either,” he told Telecino.

“I was as surprised as anyone.

“I hadn’t played for a month and a half, and with the goal, it was special. So I am happy.

“It (playing as a false nine) was something we hadn’t plan as the Barcelona players only joined the squad later on, but we have shown we have a lot of (tactical) variety.

Spain are looking to become the first side to win three consecutive international tournaments, having won Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.