The Chelsea midfielder had three chances to score but failed to net a winner.

Cesc Fabregas was picked ahead of Torres in Spain’s opener against Italy and Cesc repaid the faith of coach Vicente Del Bosque with a goal to equalize after Di Natale had scored for the Azzurri three minutes before.

Torres had three one-on-ones with Italian keeper Buffon and failed to score each one. Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo is said to get the call up instead of Torres now, but Fabregas still could start up front with him showing a good link-up with Manchester City star David Silva.

Cesc said he “did not expect to start” but showed how versatile he is when he played up front but came back to help out in midfield. La Roja started the game against Italy with six, yes six midfielders. But they were ‘asleep’ until Italy scored, coming alive in the 61st minute.

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