Iker Casillas has conceded there are nerves in the Spain camp ahead of their opening Euro 2012 game against Italy.

• Spain v Italy preview

Spain begin the defence of their European crown on Sunday evening at Arena Gdansk, and goalkeeper Casillas is wary of the threat posed by Italy.

The Azzurri have endured a difficult build-up to the tournament, following another match-fixing investigation in Serie A, but Casillas regards the team highly.

"Sure we are nervous, that's normal going into the opening game of a tournament like this," the Real Madrid player said.

"We want to repeat what we did four years ago, but we know it won't be easy. Italy are a great team. They have many prestigious players like (Daniele) De Rossi and (Gianluigi) Buffon.

"We in no way expect an easy game, as we have maximum respect for Italy. I am confident we won't go into this with the wrong mentality."

Spain is gripped by a financial crisis and of his nation's issues, Casillas added: "This is just a European championship, we cannot carry all the problems of the country on our shoulders, especially when the crisis is so brutal.

"Football can help Spaniards to lift their heads and celebrate, but it's not everything in life. We can give a little joy and I say that because I was fortunate enough to be part of our achievements and I know what it means."