Diego Costa Spain
Diego Costa attaneds a training session for Spain ahead of his expected debut against Italy, 3 March. Reuters

Diego Costa will be the center of attention when Spain take on Italy in an international friendly at the Vicente Calderon, Costa's club ground, in Madrid on Wednesday night.

Costa amid much criticism from Brazil, decided to turn his back on his home country, instead choosing to play for the world and European champions Spain.

After a long wait, the Brazil-born Atletico Madrid striker is expected to make his Spain debut in a high-profile clash against fellow European powerhouses Italy.

"I never imagined that this decision would attract such attention," Costa told Canal+. "When I realised there was interest from Spain I started to imagine things, and thought 'why not?'.

"It is a privilege that the world champions want you to play for them, especially given the quality of players they have.

"I felt very important. I value it a lot. [Spain manager] Vicente Del Bosque showed me the person that he is. I like to talk with people face-to-face, I feel the truth and lies, and Vicente was very clear. He didn't promise me anything. I don't like it when people promise me things, I like to earn it. This, I value."

Spain stalwart Xavi Hernandez revealed Costa had already acclimatised himself with the Spain squad and expects the striker to be another important addition as La Roja step up their preparations towards defending their World Cup title.

"Costa is very happy, he is glad, very happy," Xavi told RTVE. "He has quickly integrated within the group, he's a very cheerful and funny guy.

"He's one more addition to our group and he will do very well at the disposal of this coach and team."

At the other end, this will be an equally important friendly for Italy, with Cesare Prandelli's men suffering a couple of heartbreaking defeats to Spain in recent times, with the latest one coming in the semifinal of the Confederations Cup.

Skipper Gianluigi Buffon, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, believes manager Prandelli holds the key to the team's fortunes in Brazil.

"Prandelli has demonstrated that he is a very intelligent and capable person," the goalkeeper told Goal.com. "He is a tranquil person who has managed to interact and engage in dialogue with the people, even about the problems of our country.

"He has made himself the spokesman of the nation, giving clear signals like having the presence of the national team in whichever area of the country was undergoing particular problems. And these are signals that certainly help unite the Italian football fans with the team."

International friendly: Spain vs Italy Live TV Information (Match starts 10 pm local time, 2.30 am IST (Thursday), 4 pm ET, 9 pm GMT)

Country TV Broadcaster
India No coverage
US ESPN
Canada Sportsnet
Spain Tele Cinco
Middle East Bein Sports Arabia
Latin America ESPN
Italy RAI Uno
UK Sky Sports 1

International friendly: Spain vs Italy Online Live Streaming Information (10 pm local time, 2.30 pm IST (Thursday), 4 pm ET, 9 pm GMT):

Country Online links
UK HERE
US HERE
Canada HERE
Middle East HERE
Latin America HERE