Villa scores stunning winner as Spain beat Italy

BEIJING, March 27 -- David Villa's spectacular volley earned Spain a 1-0 win over world champions Italy in a friendly yesterday.

The Valencia striker, who replaced Fernando Torres at halftime, fired the ball past a helpless Gianluigi Buffon 13 minutes from time after Fabio Cannavaro had headed the ball clear of his area.

Spain enjoyed the lion's share of possession but it was Italy who created the better chances.

"I always try to score when I hit it but this one was perfect and went straight in the (top) corner," Villa told Spanish television. "It was a great goal and was the icing on the cake for a match we deserved to win."

The victory extended Spain's unbeaten streak to 14 matches. It was Italy's first defeat since losing 3-1 to Hungary in a friendly in August.

"We had very good chances. We didn't deserve to lose," Italy coach Roberto Donadoni told Rai television.

Luis Aragones's side settled quickly into their usual short-passing game at the Martinez Valero stadium without posing much threat in the first half hour.

FIRM SHOT

It was not until nine minutes before the break Spain created their first clear opportunity, David Silva heading the ball back into the path of Torres and the Liverpool striker driving a firm shot straight at Buffon.

Moments later right back Sergio Ramos headed wide and Buffon did well to save a Cesc Fabregas shot on the stroke of halftime.

The Italian threat came largely from set pieces with midfielder Andrea Pirlo floating several dangerous crosses into the area.

Striker Luca Toni headed in a free kick early on but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Italy stepped up a gear after the break and manufactured a good chance when Mauro Camoranesi hammered the ball on to the bar after a slick attack.

Fabregas responded with a fierce close-range effort saved by Buffon while opposite number Iker Casillas did well to get a hand to a goalbound effort from Camoranesi.