2021-22 UEFA Nations League Semi-Finals – Italy vs Spain Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Italy vs Spain taking place? Italy vs Spain will take place on Wednesday 6th October, 2021 at 19:45 (UK)

Where is Italy vs Spain taking place? Italy vs Spain will take place at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan

Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Spain? Click here for the latest ticket information for Italy vs Spain

What TV channel is Italy vs Spain on in the UK? Italy vs Spain will be televised live on Sky Sports

Where can I stream Italy vs Spain in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Italy vs Spain live on Sky Go

THE LOWDOWN

ITALY

• Italy head into this Nations League semi-final unbeaten in their last 37 international matches, a record in men’s international football which has seen them crowned European Champions along the way.
• Injuries to forwards Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti have led to callups for Sassuolo’s Giacomo Raspadori and Juventus’ Moise Kean with the former likely to start against Spain, whilst an injury to Matteo Pessina whilst playing for Atalanta has seen the midfielder withdraw from the squad with left-back Federico Dimarco called up as a replacement.

SPAIN

• Spain reached the Nations League semi-final having topped Group A4 above Germany, Switzerland and Ukraine with three wins, two draws and just one defeat from their six games.
• Head coach Luis Enrique will be without a large number of key players through injury with the likes of Jordi Alba, Pedri, Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo and Gerard Moreno all absent.

THE TEAM NEWS

ITALY

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Raspadori, Insigne

UNAVAILABLE: Belotti (Injured), Castrovilli (Injured), Florenzi (Injured), Immobile (Injured) Pessina (Injured), Spinazzola (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

SPAIN

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Simon; Azpilicueta, Laporte, P. Torres, Reguilon; Koke, Busquets, Fornals; F. Torres, Oyarzabal, Sarabia

UNAVAILABLE: Alba (Injured) Gaya (Injured), Llorente (Injured), Mendez (Injured), Morata (Injured), G. Moreno (Injured), Olmo (Injured), Pedri (Injured), Ramos (Injured), Thiago (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

THE PREDICTION

The last time these two sides locked horns was back in the EURO 2020 semi-finals with Italy triumphing via a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Wembley. However, the Spain team expected to feature here against the Azzurri in Milan will differ in personnel to that semi-final starting XI due to injuries. Italy and Roberto Mancini meanwhile, have the luxury of a more settled side and apart from striker Ciro Immobile are likely to name the same starting line-up that triumphed against England in the final of EURO 2020. Home advantage is also expected to play a big factor here for a well drilled Italian machine who know how to win at all costs. With that in mind, Italy should prove too strong for Spain in this Nations League clash, so back Mancini’s men to reach the final.

Tip: ITALY TO WIN