Maria Enzersdorf, Austria - Italian Fabio Cannavaro said Thursday that he sent text messages to Real Madrid team-mates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos ahead of the quarter-final between Spain and Italy Sunday in Vienna.

"I sent them a message but they did not reply. I don't know, I'll have to call them," the centre-back said.

Italy captain Cannavaro missed out on Euro 2008 through injury.

Ahead of the decisive game, the defender admitted that he and his family like living in Spain.

"It is a country that has known great growth lately, and Madrid is a fantastic city," he noted.

He even referred to the fact that the Spanish economy has lately performed better than Italy's but was hopeful that things would be different when it comes to football.

"I hope it is the other way around on the pitch," he said.

Cannavaro added that Spain are one of the best teams at the Euro and singled out keeper Casillas and striker David Villa as the key players.

"Can Spain win the Euro? If they win this game, sure," he said.

The 2006 European Footballer of the Year Cannavaro, 34, tore ligaments in his left ankle in Italy's first training session ahead of the Euro. (dpa)