Spain squad begin preparations for rematch of Euro 2012 final showdown against Italy

Spain have begun preparations for their European Championship title defence under the watchful eye of head coach Vicente del Bosque in Madrid.

The Spanish squad met up at the Sports City complex in Las Rozas ahead of their friendly clash with Italy on Thursday for a training session under the floodlights.

Six Premier League-based stars have been included by Del Bosque - David de Gea, Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva - but Chelsea striker Diego Costa was omitted from the 25-man squad.

Vicente del Bosque (second from left) talks with his Spain layers, including Gerard Pique (right) and Cesc Fabregas (third from right) during a training session in Madrid

Del Bosque is preparing his players for a friendly clash against Italy in Udine on Thursday

Gerard Pique leaps for a header in training while Aritz Aduriz, Sergi Roberton and Juan Mata all warm up

Thursday's meeting with the Azzurri represents a repeat of the Euro 2012 final, which Spain won at a canter in Kiev, scoring four without reply.

The Spaniards go into the tie 11 places higher in the FIFA world rankings than their 14th-placed hosts, and Barcelona's Sergi Roberto says the squad can't wait to get their teeth into the match in Udine, which will be quickly followed by another friendly in Romania on Sunday.

'It's a dream to be here. These are the last two matches before the Euros and you have to treat them as if they were in the finals' said Roberto, who paid tribute to his Barca coach, Luis Enrique, for helping him earn selection to the national squad.

Sergio Ramos, Mata and Ardiz all take part in ball work at the Sports City complex

Del Bosque, who is aiming to lead Spain to a successful defence of their Euro title, looks on pensively

Mata has been in good form for Manchester United and will be hoping to take that onto the international stage

Atletico Madrid's Koke juggles the ball during training. Spain will play Romania on Monday 

'It's entirely Luis Enrique's fault that I'm here. 

'He gives me belief, gave me a lot of game time and if you play with your team and do well, you get the recognition from the national team.

'Last year I didn't have much of a main role, but this year I do, I'm playing a lot of minutes and helping the team, which is what I want.

'I'm very happy with the season we're having, it's given me the opportunity to be here and I'm very happy.'

Ardiz and Del Bosque appear to be deep in conversation on their walk to the training pitch