Motta: Winning ugly fine by me

Italy’s cultured midfielder Thiago Motta has travelled the world in a search of beautiful football but when faced by the might of Spain, even he is willing to play ugly if it means success.

The two soccer monoliths clash in Ireland’s Euro 2012 Group C opener here Sunday with holders and tournament favourites Spain likely to dominate possession with their highly successful short-passing style.

To try to combat their imposing threat and outmuscle Spain’s diminutive midfield, Italy look set to play a new system with three at the back and the middle of the park flooded with two wing backs and three bullying players in the centre.