June 10, 2012 5:00 PM BST
PGE Arena Gdańsk — Gdańsk
Referee: V. Kassai
Team News
Spain
Since Carles Puyol and David Villa were both ruled out of Euro 2012
through injury, Spain have not had any more bad news of that ilk.
They have played a few friendlies in recent weeks, with del Bosque
rotating his squad, but with no ill effects - Spain won all 3 of those
games and gave a wide range of their squad some game time.
It is likely that the big guns will starts this match, after things were
changed up in the friendlies. Andres Iniesta inspired the win over
China from the bench and he will return to the lineup for what is
probably Spain's toughest group game.
Italy
Andrea Barzagli has been reported as a major doubt for Euro 2012 with a
calf injury that will certainly rule him out of the first two matches,
and possibly more. Cesare Prandelli has called up Davide Astori as
standby and will make a decision on Friday as to whether to fly Barzagli
home or keep him out there for the latter stages of the competition.
The Italians are likely to switch to a 3-5-2 formation with Daniele De
Rossi playing at the back and Marchisio and Balzaretti playing as
wing-backs.
Probable Lineups
Spain (4-3-3) : Casillas, Alba, Pique, Ramos, Arbeola, Alonso, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, Silva. Italy (3-5-2) : Buffon, Bonucci, Rossi, Chiellini, Maggio, Nocerino, Pirlo, Marchisio, Balzaretti, Cassano, Balotelli.
Match Facts
Spain have won their last 10 matches in EURO Cup.
Italy have kept a clean sheet in 8 of their last 9 matches in EURO Cup.
Spain have scored at least 2 goals in their last 8 matches in EURO Cup.
Spain have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 4 matches in EURO Cup.
Italy are undefeated in their last 13 matches in EURO Cup.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Spain's last 8 games in EURO Cup.
Spain have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 home matches against Italy in all competitions.
Spain have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 home matches against Italy in all competitions.
Head to Head
| International Friendlies (FR) | Aug 10, 2011 | Italy 2 - Spain 1 | |
| UEFA European Championship (EC) | Jun 22, 2008 | Spain 4 - Italy 2 | |
| International Friendlies (FR) | Mar 26, 2008 | Spain 1 - Italy 0 |
Prediction
These two countries' Euro 2012 preparations could not really have been
more contrasting - Spain won all 3 of their warm-up games, with little
to worry about, while Italian football has been shrouded in controversy
after the latest match-fixing allegations, which were followed up by the
friendly against Luxembourg being cancelled due to an earthquake in the
region, before a resounding 3-0 loss to Russia.
Italy have had their preparations for the tournament disrupted and may
be affected as a result, while Spain have had a smooth ride, here both
during and since qualifying. The Spaniards will be confident of a win
here and a good run in the tournament, with a view to retaining the the
trophy they won in 2008.
A 2-1 win for the Italians when these sides met in a friendly last
August will not count for much at all, though this will certainly still
be a closely fought game. However, this time around, Spain should take
the spoils and start of Euro 2012 in the manner many will expect of
them.
Spain 2 - 1 Italy
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