Euro 2012: Daniele De Rossi set to play in defence against Spain

ITALY midfielder Daniele De Rossi has revealed that he will play in defence against Spain in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 Group C opener.

De Rossi is set to take the place of injured defender Andrea Barzagli and play alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in Italy’s back line.

Barzagli is sidelined for the group stages with a calf injury.

“I have always adapted tactically,” De Rossi said. “I think it is right to do so.

“The fascination of the European Championship is second to the World Cup and if you want to have a starring role, you need to adapt.

“There is a 99 per cent chance that I will play in defence but to say that my role will be of central defender is not exactly right as I will act as a link between the defence and the midfield.”

De Rossi is aware of the task that awaits his team, who take on the tournament holders and world champions to start their Euro adventure. “We will play against the best in the world and it will be tough,” the Roma midfielder said.