Maria Enzersdorf, Austria  - Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro stressed Thursday that a team needs "more than just good football" when it comes to major tournaments.

Cannavaro, who missed out on Euro 2008 through injury, made to comment in reference to Spain, the team Italy meet on Sunday in Vienna in the quarter- finals.

"Spain have played a very good Euro to date. They are a better team than on other occasions. That is why it is going to be very difficult for us. They have top-quality players, but you need more than that," the centre-back said.

When asked whether world champions had that extra element, the Real Madrid defender smiled and noted that there are no favourites in a quarter-final.

"It is 50-50," Cannavaro said.

He praised Spain for their attacking football, and added that Italy are particularly worried about Spanish strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.

Cannavaro said he does not like the way the Spanish media are talking of a "vendetta," in relation to the quarter-final of the 1994 World Cup in which Italy beat Spain en route to the final.

"Every game has its own history," the defender said.

As to whether the Italian defence is solid despite his absence, he was confident.

"We have shown against France that the defence is fine. They are young players but they have a lot of experience in difficult games. Even (in the 3-0 defeat) against the Netherlands it was not just the defence, but the whole team that made mistakes," Cannavaro stressed.

"We do not have great soloists, but all together we make up a good team and against France we found the right path again," he said.

The 2006 European Footballer of the Year Cannavaro, 34, tore ligaments in his left ankle in Italy's first training session ahead of the Euro. (dpa)