Speed warning to Wales

Mark Hughes has led Wales to the top of their qualifying group and a positive result on Wednesday would put them in pole position to get through to the finals in Portugal.

The experienced midfielder was in Belgrade with Newcastle last week playing a Champions League qualifying tie and experienced a difficult night.

The Welsh captain is hopeful the likes of Craig Bellamy, Robbie Savage and Nathan Blake can keep their cool and remain calm.

"I'm a bit older than most of the players but sometimes it can get to you," explained Speed.

"We cannot say we lost because we lost our tempers, we cannot let ourselves get wound up."

Savage and Bellamy will both go into the game knowing a yellow card will see them suspended for the clash against Italy but the former Leeds United man doesn't want either player to hold back.

"You can't approach the game any differently because you are on a yellow card," admitted Speed.