Sergio Ramos has asked the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu for Saturday's World Cup qualifying match between Spain and Italy to show respect to Gerard Pique.

Pique has become Barcelona's most hated player by Real Madrid supporters for his frequently outspoken comments.

"To Pique or to anybody else you must always respect the players," Ramos told reporters.

"[I ask the fans] to support us, it will be a tense and difficult match.

"We want to perform well and play a good game."

Spain and Italy are level atop Group G's standings.