Italy struck by Villa thunderbolt

A 78th-minute volley from second-half substitute David Villa gave Spain a 1-0 win over world champions and fellow UEFA EURO 2008™ contenders Italy in Elche.

Super sub
The Valencia CF forward, a half-time replacement for Fernando Torres, ended the stalemate in brilliant fashion by letting fly a shot into the top corner of Gianluigi Buffon's goal. However, Spain also had Iker Casillas and the frame of his goal to thank for their victory in this warm-up friendly.

Disallowed effort
Italy had made a positive start and found the net themselves after 13 minutes. However, Luca Toni's headed goal from an Andrea Pirlo free-kick was ruled out for a foul by Fabio Cannavaro at the far post. Spain responded by showing their own attacking intent. Torres made a run down the left and crossed for David Silva, whose volley flashed just wide of Buffon's right-hand post.

Spain denied
Although coach Luis Aragonés was forced into an early change when Carles Puyol limped off to make way for Raúl Albiol, the home side began to dominate. Their midfield supremacy showed as first Torres, then Cesc Fabregas elicited saves from Buffon. Then, moments before half-time, the Azzurri No1 had to dive to palm away a low strike from Fabregas. The Arsenal FC man had an even better chance to register in the second half but Buffon managed to block his close-range shot with his body.

Italy pressure
Before that last attempt, Roberto Donadoni's Italy had threatened to make the breakthrough. Five minutes after the restart, Mauro Camoranesi latched on to a low centre from Fabio Grosso to rattle the crossbar with Casillas beaten. Christian Panucci then headed over from Daniele De Rossi's free-kick. Casillas also had to save from Camoranesi when the midfielder broke clear following a one-two with De Rossi, with only the Real Madrid CF keeper to beat.

Coup de grâce
However, when the goal did come, it arrived at the other end. Cannavaro's headed clearance from a Xabi Alonso long pass fell only as far as Villa – and the striker returned it with interest beyond Buffon.