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Spain vs Italy Preview Prediction
Spain vs Italy Preview Prediction
When these two countries met in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, Spain survived 120 minutes of strenuous defence, won on penalties, and went on to win its first international title in 44 years. After beating Spain 2-1 last August with an intimidating attack, will Italian manager Cesare Prandelli opt for offence? Or, after observing how hard Spain worked to beat a resolute China last week in its final Euro 2012 warmup match, will Italy play its traditional tight, man-to-man defensive scheme and exhaust Spain’s offensive steersmen midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta?
Spain’s passing offence will monopolize possession, but who will be responsible at forward, since all-time leading goal scorer David Villa is out injured? Chelsea forward Fernando Torres was added to the team, and did score the winner in Spain’s 1-0 win over Germany in the Euro 2008 final, but scored just 11 goals this season. Forward Fernando Llorente had 29 goals for Athletic Bilbao and Alvaro Negredo had 14 for Sevilla, and are more reliable options.
Forward Mario Balotelli really is an amazing talent, when he is not upsetting teammates and coaches with his ridiculously absurd behavior. He can play as if the ball is attached to his feet by a string. And if he gets timely passes from a creative teammate, such as midfielder Antonio Cassano, Spain’s defence, which looks loose at times, could be exposed.
And for that reason, how will Spanish central defender Gerard Pique set up in the back line? Pique is versatile and can move up into attack, but with defensive leader Carles Puyol out of the tournament with a knee injury, Pique could be required to stay put, and simply distribute the ball to Xavi and midfielder Xabi Alonso so they can worry about the attack.
Spain vs Italy Head to Head
FIFA World Cup
Euro Cup
Friendly
FIFA Ranking
Spain: 1
Italy: 12
Prediction
Spain 50% vs 50% Italy
When these two countries met in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, Spain survived 120 minutes of strenuous defence, won on penalties, and went on to win its first international title in 44 years. After beating Spain 2-1 last August with an intimidating attack, will Italian manager Cesare Prandelli opt for offence? Or, after observing how hard Spain worked to beat a resolute China last week in its final Euro 2012 warmup match, will Italy play its traditional tight, man-to-man defensive scheme and exhaust Spain’s offensive steersmen midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta?
Spain’s passing offence will monopolize possession, but who will be responsible at forward, since all-time leading goal scorer David Villa is out injured? Chelsea forward Fernando Torres was added to the team, and did score the winner in Spain’s 1-0 win over Germany in the Euro 2008 final, but scored just 11 goals this season. Forward Fernando Llorente had 29 goals for Athletic Bilbao and Alvaro Negredo had 14 for Sevilla, and are more reliable options.
Forward Mario Balotelli really is an amazing talent, when he is not upsetting teammates and coaches with his ridiculously absurd behavior. He can play as if the ball is attached to his feet by a string. And if he gets timely passes from a creative teammate, such as midfielder Antonio Cassano, Spain’s defence, which looks loose at times, could be exposed.
And for that reason, how will Spanish central defender Gerard Pique set up in the back line? Pique is versatile and can move up into attack, but with defensive leader Carles Puyol out of the tournament with a knee injury, Pique could be required to stay put, and simply distribute the ball to Xavi and midfielder Xabi Alonso so they can worry about the attack.
Spain vs Italy Head to Head
| Spain | vs | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Matches Played | 25 |
| 7 | Wins | 8 |
| 10 | Draws | 10 |
| 8 | Losses | 7 |
| 25 | Goals | 29 |
FIFA World Cup
| Spain | vs | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Matches Played | 3 |
| 0 | Wins | 2 |
| 1 | Draws | 1 |
| 2 | Losses | 0 |
| 2 | Goals | 4 |
Euro Cup
| Spain | vs | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Matches Played | 3 |
| 0 | Wins | 1 |
| 2 | Draws | 2 |
| 1 | Losses | 0 |
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
Friendly
| Spain | vs | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Matches Played | 19 |
| 7 | Wins | 5 |
| 7 | Draws | 7 |
| 5 | Losses | 7 |
| 23 | Goals | 24 |
FIFA Ranking
Spain: 1
Italy: 12
Prediction
Spain 50% vs 50% Italy
