Italy vs Spain Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Italy vs Spain kick off? Italy vs Spain will take place on Tuesday 6th July, 2021 at 20:00 (UK)
Where is Italy vs Spain being played? Italy vs Spain will take place at Wembley Stadium, London
Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Spain? Click here for the latest ticket information for Italy vs Spain
What television channel is Italy vs Spain on in the UK? Italy vs Spain will be televised live on BBC
Where can I stream Italy vs Spain in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Italy 9 wins, Spain 12 wins, 12 draws
Last meeting: Spain 3-0 Italy (02/09/17)
THE LOWDOWN
ITALY
- An outstanding all-round performance from Italy saw them take their biggest EURO 2020 scalp yet in the quarter-finals after beating the world’s number one ranked side Belgium 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals.
- Whilst the goals were scored by Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne, it was the veteren Italian centre-back partnership of Leonardo Bonucci and captain Georgio Chiellini who formed an excellent partnership to deny the Belgians from open play, whilst Gianluigi Donnarumma also contributed with a couple of vital saves.
- Victory came at a cost however, with star left-back Leonardo Spinazzola stretched off after rupturing his achilles tendon late on, which will see him miss the remainder of the tournament, therefore second choice full-back Emerson is expected to deputise whilst Roberto Mancini has a decision to make on whether to stick with attacking wideman Federico Chiesa in the starting line-up or recall Domenico Beradi.
SPAIN
- After drawing with Switzerland 1-1 after 90 minutes, Spain failed to break down their opponents in extra time despite being up against ten men over the entire 30 minutes, but ultimately managed to seal their place in the semi-finals via a penalty shootout.
- Spain recorded a staggering 28 shots against Switzerland and since they are not expected to enjoy as much attacking luxury against Italy, they will need to prove more clinical in front of goal to overcome the Azzurri.
- Attacking midfielder Pablo Serabia was subbed off at half-time against Switzerland and is a huge doubt for this match, with either Dani Olmo or Gerard Moreno likely to replace him if needed, although centre-back Aymeric Laporte should be fit to start once again despite missing a training session due to fatigue, whilst goalkeeper David De Gea and defender Jose Gaya remain injury doubts after not featuring despite being named on the bench in the quarter-finals.
THE TEAM NEWS
ITALY
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
UNAVAILABLE: Spinazzola (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Florenzi (Injured)
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Simon; Azpilicueta, Laporte, Pau Torres, Alba; Koke, Busquets, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Morata, Olmo
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: De Gea (Injured), Jose Gaya (Injured), Laporte (Fatigue), Serabia (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- Spain have failed to score in four of their previous six EURO final tournament matches against Italy – Italy to keep a clean sheet
- Italy have won their last 13 international matches – Italy to win
- Italy have scored the first goal in eight of their last ten EURO final tournament matches – Italy to score the first goal
- Spain’s record in EURO semi-final matches is W2 D2. They have progressed through to the final from each of their previous four EURO semi-final ties – Spain to qualify for the final
- Spain have scored during the first half in each of their last four matches at EURO 2020 – Spain to score in the first half
THE PREDICTION
Italy’s victory over Belgium was the clearest indication yet that Roberto Mancini’s side have the capabilities to go all the way in this tournament, overcoming an elite opponent for the first time in the competition. After defending admirably against Roberto Martinez’s side, they will need to do so again against Spain, who head into this semi-final having scored 11 goals over the course of their last three matches. However, the Spaniards have not faced a defence of the quality of Italy over those three games and their defence may well struggle against the fast and direct running of the Italian widemen either side of Ciro Immobile up front. Italy have looked a stronger all-round unit than Spain over the course of the competition so far and whilst they may need extra time at Wembley as they did in their round of 16 clash vs Austria, is it the Azzurri who should ultimately qualify for the final in this match.
Tip: ITALY TO QUALIFY
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
