Spain vs Italy: Head to head statistics
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Spain vs Italy match preview
Just as they did two years ago in Milan, these two great footballing rivals meet again at the semi-final stage of the UEFA Nations League.
That night, Spain ended Italy’s world-record 37-match unbeaten streak at San Siro, prevailing 2-1, thanks to a pair of first half Ferran Torres goal.
Four days later, la Roja were beaten in the final by France, so will either of these two go all the way this time?
Italy, of course, have endured mixed few years, failing to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but winning the European Championships in-between.
Gli Azzurri were dumped out in the World Cup play-offs by North Macedonia last year, but Roberto Mancini had enough credit in the bank to remain as manager.
In this Nations League campaign, Italy topped a group of death, above Hungary, Germany and England, needing to win their final two matches to get here.
So now, will the European Champions reach a first-ever Nations League Final with victory in Enschede?
Spain meanwhile won three successive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012 but, since then, have won only two major tournament knockout ties.
Both of these came at Euro 2020, before eventually falling to Italy in the semi-finals on penalties at Wembley.
Then, last December, Luis Enrique’s team were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco in the round of 16, losing another shootout.
In the autumn though, Enrique did guide his team to these finals, pipping neighbours Portugal to top spot, courtesy of Álvaro Morata last-gasp winner in Braga.
New manager Luis de la Fuente made a mixed start to life as Spain boss back in March, beating Norway in Málaga before a 2-0 defeat to Scotland at Hampden, both in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Nevertheless, the man who’s led Spanish youth teams to U19 and U21 Euro glory, and an Olympic Silver Medal, is just two wins away from adding a senior international title to his résumé.
Croatia await in Sunday’s final in Rotterdam and, given that their of the last six knockout encounters have produced penalty shootouts, those in attendance at De Grolsch Veste could be in for a long night.
Spain team news
Luis de la Fuente experimented heavily during March’s qualifiers, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Rodri and Mikel Merino starting both.
For this camp, David García and Nico Williams have withdrawn due to injury, while Alejandro Balde, César Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Moreno are all not included.
Gavi made his senior international debut against Italy in the semi-final two years ago, and will once again be a key figure, possibly starting off the left, as he has done for Barcelona this season.
Álvaro Morata will lead the line, aiming to add to his 30 international goals, which is only 13 fewer than the rest of the 23-man squad have combined.
Left-back Fran García, who’s just joined Real Madrid from Rayo Vallecano for €5 million, will be hoping to make his debut.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Nacho, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Fabián, Merino; Dani Olmo, Morata, Gavi.
Italy team news
Argentine-born striker Mateo Retegui was the star of the March international window, scoring against both England and Malta, despite being a complete unknown in Europe beforehand, playing for Tigre.
Those goals could see him keep his place up front, chosen over Ciro Immobile or Giacomo Raspadori.
While they may lack world-class centre-forward, Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Nicolò Barella is a midfield trio that can rival any other in international football.
Leonardo Bonucci was sent off when Gli Azzurri met Spain at the 2021 finals, so will be hoping for better as he captains the side, earning his 121st cap; only Gigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini have more.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will surpass all of those legends at this rate, with this his 53rd appearance for the national team, despite still being 24 years old.
Barella and Francesco Acerbi are likely to start just five days after losing in the Champions League Final.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Bonucci, Spinazzola; Jorginho, Verratti, Barella; Chiesa, Gnonto, Retegui.
UEFA Nations League semi-final fixtures & results
UEFA Nations League A group tables
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