Spain v Italy –Sunday 10 June, 5pm kick off
Fifa Rankings
Spain 1
Italy 12
Sunday’s first match sees La Roja v La Azzurri. Spain beat Italy on penalties in the quarter-final of Euro 2008 on their way to lifting the trophy. They are looking to create history by winning three tournaments in a row but face a tough test in their first match against a rejuvenated Italian side who hope to put the pain of the last world cup behind them.
Tactics
The build-up for Spain has centered on two hugely influential players who are missing out, David Villa and Carles Puyol. Whilst missing these two is a blow it is essentially the same squad that won the World Cup, and the likelihood is that Silva will come in and play on either the right or the left and Ramos will slot into the CB role with Arbeloa playing RB. However one question does remain, who does Del Bosque stick up top? Torres or Llorente? The problem is that Torres as we know hasn’t been in great form for a number of years now and Llorente is scoring freely but lacks fitness dues to a gruelling season with Bilbao. We can expect to see the usual tiki-taka style but there is more to Spain than just that and who they play up top can probably dictate how they play, Torres will look for the slick passing of Xavi, Iniesta and co while Llorente is more of an old fashioned centre forward and will look to use a more physical style.
For Italy their build-up has been overshadowed by the on-going match fixing scandal back home, this has led to Domenico Criscito being left out and would probably have started at left back. Elsewhere Giuseppe Rossi misses out due to injury and centre back Andre Barzagli will miss the first two games. For some Italy’s play may come as a surprise, Cesare Prandelli has tried to employ a more flowing attacking style, he has been famous for using a 4-3-2-1/4-3-3 method but the loss of Rossi may change that slightly, some are also suggesting he may even play 3 at the back. However you do have to wonder whether it would be a wise move to play this way against a Spanish side that puts anyone to the sword if they do anything other than parking the bus. It looks likely Prandelli will play Balotelli and Cassano up top, both with problems of their own, will Super Mario be able to contain his temper and has Cassano’s heart problems really cleared up in a few months?
One to Watch
Spain - Silva
Italy - Montolivo
Odds
Spain – 20/21 (Victor)
Italy – 4/1 (Various)
Draw - 5/2 (Blue Sq and Paddy)
Prediction
It’s hard to back against Spain however a slight word of caution, Spain have not beaten Italy in a competitive match without the use of penalties since 1920. Going on history a draw looks likely but if Italy try and attack it could be over for them very quickly.
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Comments
Balotelli to be shown a card ( 11-10 Betfair)
Torres to score anytime ( 3-1 Betfair)
Not sure about Montolivio as one to watch unless it's for comedy purposes. Keen to see how Noccerino will perform at a major championship and whether Giovinco will get a crack off the bench, very exciting talent that has never quite done it.
There is an argument for sky doing the big tournaments free to air ( on the freeview platform) . Im sure they would jump at the chance.
Spain playing with no striker ????
Expect them to be more tippy tappy than ever !
Looks like the answer to the big question is neither !
Have Italy got Dempsey from Dempsey & Makepeace taking their set pieces?
Get on Spain to win by 3 goals now I've said that