Christian Panucci felt fit and ready to play

BADEN, Austria, June 20 - Italy's veteran defender Christian Panucci said Friday he felt fit and ready to play its fourth game in Euro 2008.

The 35-year regular rest during a difficult season with AS Roma, is poised to play centre back alongside Giorgio Chiellini in Sunday's quarter-final against Spain in Vienna.

Panucci shrugged off a slight knee problem during the group and declared a healthy lifestyle is currently keeping him.

"I recovered very well. I must say that physically I do not feel tired two days after a match. I am happy, "he told a press conference.

"I thank my mom for making me this way. I have always had a professional and rigid lifestyle. "

Coach Roberto Donadoni could probably not rest Panucci, even if it wanted.

At centre back Andrea Barzagli came out of the tournament after undergoing successful knee surgery on Friday in the same clinic where other defender Fabio Cannavaro has an ankle before the finals began.

Marco Materazzi, Barzagli that partnership in the 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands in the opening match, seems out of form while replacing Cannavaro Alessandro Gamberini has only two caps for the world champions.

Panucci, who played on the right against the Netherlands, said that his age, he was served unlikely to play the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, he stopped short of saying he would retire from international after the tournament.

"This is the last big opportunity of my career. It would not be reasonable to say that I was for the 2010 World Cup. But you never say never," he said.

Panucci played for Real Madrid between 1997 and 1999 and Spain said he was now a force to be reckoned with have flattered to deceive for many years.

"I understand Spain does not want to play Italy because the history of the Euros is not good for Spain. The Italy have been better prepared for major competitions, but Spain have greatly improved in recent years, "he said.

"We know Spain are a strong side with enthusiasm and they give us problems."