Sunday 10th June, will see the opening game of Group C take place, between reigning World and European Champions, Spain, versus former World Champions Italy.
At the World Cup held in South Africa, 2010, both nations experienced differing fortunes. With Spain continuing their ascent to the world’s pinnacle and Italy experiencing a rapid descent into the abyss. This summer they are both taking the next step on their football journeys.
Spain are hoping to defend their title and become the first country to hold three back-to-back titles in a row (European Championships 2008, World Cup 2010 and European Championships 2012). With their domestic league the envy of many, they have a team which can boast the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Iker Casillas. Their squad has been depleted with the Barcelona duo of David Villa and Carles Puyol both absent through injury.
It is likely that Spain will alter their approach to the tournament, with attacking options consisting of a misfiring Fernando Torres, the young and ambitious Fernando Llorente and finally Alvaro Negredo of Seville. Manager, Vincente Del Bosque, may choose the striker dependent upon the opposition and Spain’s approach. Against Italy, Llorente is likely to start as his aerial threat and strength could trouble Italy’s centre backs.
Spain are favourites to win the match. With Casillas in goal and a back-line consisting of Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, they have a solid base behind an incredible midfield. The strongest aspect of Spain’s squad is their depth in midfield: likely to start with Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta and Juan Mata, no other squad can boast players of these qualities. With Busquets and Alonso protecting the defence, Xavi, Iniesta and Mata will be expected to add guile to the attack. Spain will look to retain possession through swift movement of the ball: their renowned ‘tiki-taka’ approach could see Italy crumble.
After the bitter disappointment in South Africa, Italy have discarded their old stereotype and are no longer a defensively minded team. Under the stewardship of coach Cesare Prandelli, they play a possession based attacking game. Suffering the loss of Giuseppe Rossi through injury and Giampaolo Pazzini’s dramatic loss of form, Italy have had to recreate their attack. Prandelli has chosen a young squad, based heavily around Juventus’ successful Scudetto team. Defender Giorgio Chiellini has shaken off a knee injury suffered in his last league game and should start in defence.
The new look attack will see AC Milan’s Antonio Cassano partner the explosive Mario Balotelli, with Sebastian Giovinco likely to operate behind them in the no. 10 role. Along with Antonio Di Natale, the only other striker in the squad is Roma’s Fabio Borini, who netted nine goals for his club side this season.
The loss of Domenico Criscito, who is embroiled in the latest domestic match-fixing scandal, has seen Italy revert to a 3-5-2 system. Chiellini is likely to be partnered by Leonardo Bonucci and possibly Daniele De Rossi. Italy will look to hit Spain on the counter-attack, with their wing-backs pressing high up the pitch to close Spain’s wingers.
Although Spain are popular favourites, there is a strong chance Italy will emerge with a draw. Both nations have a historical rivalry, with the Spanish deploring Italy’s traditional ‘defensive approach.’ The Italians meanwhile, will be hoping that a recent 2-1 victory over the Spanish in August 2011 is a good omen. Expect a cagey start from both teams, but the strikers to ignite as the game develops.
