Sunday 10 June 2012

Italy v Spain: Preview


Another major tournament, another heap of pressure placed on the shoulders of this talented Spain squad. Just like all previous winners, they try to become the first side to defend the European Championships. Not just this, but they try to complete the treble of major international wins after a dramatic extra time win in the World Cup final two years ago. The last European team to have two major international wins under their belt going into another tournament were France, who famously failed to make it out of the group stages in the 2002 World Cup in Japan/South Korea. Complacency, then, is a major issue for Vicente Del Bosque’s men. Many slogans have adorned the side of their training camp in order to make sure they’re fully focused on the task in hand. ‘History doesn’t stop the rival, concentration does,’ is one of them. Much talk going into these European Championships was the strength of the German squad, and La Roja has seemingly been lowered in the pecking order for the crown. With the first team encompassing a large amount of players from the imperious F.C. Barcelona side, the failings of the Catalans this season may have relieved some pressure on the national team. Despite this, Germany went about their business yesterday with a 1-0 win against Portugal. It was not the most solid of displays, but the final result will please Joachim Low’s side in what is a difficult group.

Today the Spanish face the last side to win a major international tournament in the European circle; Italy. The win in 2006 was overshadowed by the Calciopoli scandal, which led to the relegation of Juventus to Serie B and points deductions for a number of other teams. Six years on and the national team head into Poland/Ukraine with another scandal looming over their heads. Allegations have been levelled at high figures such as Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and Juventus head coach Antonio Conte for fixing matches (who led his side to the Serie A title while going undefeated). Italy, therefore, have a point to prove. Gerard Pique feels the same way: “It seems Italy have been destabilised and have their heads elsewhere. But those are the circumstances in which they are at their strongest,’ proclaimed the centre-back.

Team News

Andrea Barzagli is set to miss the first game with a calf problem, as Italy’s medical team assesses the best course of action for the player. It is likely that Daniele De Rossi will move into an unfamiliar role in the centre of defence, as part of a five man defensive unit. Italy will most likely start with the starting central midfielders from Juventus – Thiago Motta, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.
Spain are missing two lynchpins of their World Cup win in Johannesberg; Carles Puyol and David Villa. Those two experienced heads will be missing throughout the whole tournament, but strength in depth will ensure that they can be replaced adequately. The only doubt for the reigning Champions will be up front, where either Fernando Torres or Alvaro Negredo will start. The Chelsea man may prove a potent attacking threat off the bench, and as a result will play a key role in this year’s tournament just like Cesc Fabregas did in South Africa.

Key Battle

As usual with this Spanish team, the key area of focus will be the midfield. The midfield five are among some of the best passers in the world. Spain will be looking to feed the ball to their best players as much as possible, and get the likes of David Silva and Andres Iniesta involved as high up the pitch as possible. The job of containing such players is placed upon the Juventus trio of Motta, Pirlo and Marchisio who helped shield their club team’s defence - leading to only 20 goals conceded in 38 league games this season. Naturally, the Spanish will lead the possession stats. The Italians will look to defend in numbers and launch quick counter-attacks to their raiding wing-backs – Gianccherini (who could earn his first Azzurri cap) and Maggio.

Probably Line-ups

Italy: Buffon, Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini, Maggio, Motta, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini, Cassano, Balotelli
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, J. Alba, Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Silva, Xavi, Iniesta, Negredo

PGE Arena, Gdansk
Kick-off: 5PM on ITV1

With Italy looking likely to try to contain Spain’s midfield, this one could be a low scoring affair. Spain to win 1-0.

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