Italy V Spain: What can we expect? Match Preview, Line-up & Predicition

 

The tactical master class will be up at display in the clash of European giants in the Semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2020

Against the odds and out of favour Italy and Spain have made it out to the semi-final of the UEFA Euros 2020, where they will go head-to-head for the place in the finals. Not only two teams but the two managers, Roberto Manchini for Italy and Luis Enrique for Spain will tussle it out to get the better of each other.

Let's talk about Italy, the team that was haunted by the horrors of not qualifying for the World Cup in Russia 2018, probably the darkest period in Italian football. From not being a part of the World Cup in Russia and now reaching the semi-finals of Euros, Italy surely has made leaps and bounds, re-writing a fresh chapter in illustrious Italian football History.

Italy so far has conceded just 2 goals against any rival teams, and notably, they had a clean sheet in all of their 3 group games. Now, this may send a message that Italians football at its best with a rock-solid defence but no you, this Italian team plays football, and they mean business. The team has scored 11 goals so far in the competition. Their key players were notably Spinazzola and Jorginho in the middle of the park.

"Spain must stop Jorginho, he has proved to be a very crucial player for Italy. He has important qualities, he likes to keep the ball in his feet and control the game. If we limit his involvement, we’ll have more chances to qualify for the Final" - Azpilicueta pic.twitter.com/bkcrcvm1yV

— Nouman (@nomifooty) July 5, 2021

If someone asked me whether Italy could make it to the semi's at the beginning of the tournament, I would scratch my head and think long and maybe even then I would think the odds would have been against them, but little I knew Football is greater than all of us and boy we have been taken onto a ride with this Italian Football team, they surely are a force to reckoned with.

Spain, with the triumphs of 2008 & 2012 Euros combined with the success of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the pressure was always too much for the next generation. As a result, the players who followed the golden generation couldn't live up to expectations. It's been a long time coming for this group of players to achieve and dream of the title which seems so close but is still so far.

Luis Enrique without a doubt is the manager Spain needed and against the critics, with his bold and confident decision making, Spain have made it to the semi's of the Euros, who would've thought of this, but young players backed up by the manager have delivered, Pedri is a genius of footballing brains who makes the ball tick in the midfield with ease and calm, and again this fella is only 18-years old. Morata has been bashed by the critics so hard but hardly a few of us could name a better outright no.9 throughout the tournament. What makes this team special is the belief and their roots, it has become a trend to call out the tiki-taka an outdated footballing philosophy but who could've brought it back to life other than Spain itself.

What should we expect from the Semi-Final between Italy & Spain?

Know this, neither of the teams are going to hold it out. Italy believes they can attack and will be up for the battle while Spain will believe that they would gain control of the game with their possession play, which again will be challenged by Italy.

The key for Spain would be to not get caught in the transition of attack to defence as Italy have pacey wingers and forwards who could dish out damage to Spain's defensive line. While Italy will have to stay focused and calm as Spain will try anything & everything to get behind their defence and hurt them.

Passion will be high and it will be not a surprise if we see challenges & tackles flying in, the match without any doubts will be played on high intensity and will surely be a treat for the neutrals.

Match Prediction

With both the teams trying to cancel each other out, it surely will be a close call, and the winner will be the one who takes the chances and makes the most of it, in regards to how Morata has been a key for the Spanish team, Immobile has not been able to deliver at the standards of which his counter Alvaro Morata has been doing, so Spain does have an advantage also what could hinder the chances of Italy beating Spain is the absence of their left wingback Spinnazola.

A 2-1 win for Spain in the Semi's will see them go through to the Finals, which will be their first after a long period of over a decade when they made it to the finals of 2012 Euros.

Spain starting 11:

U. Simon (GK)

A.Laporte, E. Garcia, Azpilicueta, J.Alba – Defence

Busquests, Pedri, Koke – Midfield

F.Torres, D. Almo & Alvaro Morata – Forward.

Italy starting 11:

Donnarrumma (GK)

Bonuci, Chiellini, D.Lorenzo, Emerson – Defence

Jorginho, Verratti, Barella – Midfield

L.Insigne, C.Immobile, F.Chiesa – Forwards.