Euro 2012: Spain need to stop Pirlo in final, says Fabregas

Kiev: Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has declared that La Roja will need to pay special attention to Andrea Pirlo in Sunday`s Euro 2012 final against Italy.

The 33-year-old has been scintillating for the Azzurri and put in another sterling display in Thursday`s 2-1 victory over Germany. Fabregas is wary of the threat posed by the Juventus playmaker and stated that he was impressed by Mario Balotelli`s performance against the Germans. "We will have to stop Italy`s attackers and Pirlo as well," Fabregas told reporters at a press conference. "Balotelli is a great player and he showed it yesterday. He scored two great goals against Germany in the semi-finals. "That says it all. I really liked the way he played. He will be a threat, like Antonio Cassano or any other player." Spain have become the second side to reach three straight finals, and Fabregas has called on the team to go one better than West Germany on Sunday. "This is not the time to reflect on my season at Barcelona," he affirmed. "That is in the past. "What matters is to be ready to play another final with the team on Sunday. We want to make more than history, because we have already made history." Questioned about Andres Iniesta`s role in La Roja, Fabregas said: "He had a tough season because of the injuries he suffered, but he arrived at the Euros in great form.” "There are only a few players who are as creative as he is. He is a different type of player.” "We need him to be a central piece and we trust him a lot." Goal.com